Investigating how climate change affects fungal diseases in the U.S.
Official title: Using massive, multi-regional EHR data to estimate the impacts of climate change on fungal disease epidemiology in the U.S.
Funded at University of Missouri Kansas City · NIH-10878962 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how climate change might be making fungal infections, like candidiasis and aspergillosis, more common and severe, so we can better protect people who are at risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Missouri Kansas City NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kansas City, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $783,657 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI176770-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10878962 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with compromised immune systems or those living in areas prone to fungal infections exacerbated by climate change.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with fungal diseases that are not influenced by climate factors or those who do not reside in affected geographic areas may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to understand the impact of climate change on the spread and severity of fungal diseases by analyzing large datasets from electronic health records (EHR) and disease surveillance systems. By examining how environmental changes influence the habitat and transmission of fungal pathogens, the study seeks to identify risk factors for conditions such as candidiasis and aspergillosis. The approach involves a detailed analysis of health data over time to uncover trends and patterns that could inform public health strategies. Ultimately, this research aims to protect vulnerable populations from the increasing threat of fungal infections linked to climate change.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention and treatment strategies for fungal diseases, particularly for at-risk populations.
How similar studies have gone: While research on the impact of climate on infectious diseases is growing, this specific approach using EHR data for fungal diseases is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Missouri Kansas City
Kansas City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: White, Theodore C. — University of Missouri Kansas City
- Study coordinator: White, Theodore C.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.