Crop fungicides linked to newly resistant 'superbugs' in humans

Scientists recently linked the use of fungicides used on grains and grapes to the rise of drug-resistant fungal infections in humans. Specifically, Dutch scientists say that the widespread use of azole fungicides by European farmers may be to blame for drug resistant Aspergillus fumigatus infections.

While normally harmless, the fungus can cause life-threatening infections in people with compromised immune systems. Doctors rely on azole-based drugs, similar to the fungicides, to treat these infections.

The human health risk of this link had recently been dismissed as unlikely by European Union regulators, according to Science. One researcher noted, that fungicide producers “...aren't very keen on studying this further."

Background: PAN Update

Full study: The Lancet