New research from the University of Georgia reveals that commercial gardening products like soil, compost, and flower bulbs harbor high levels of multidrug-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus, a fungus that poses a critical health risk, particularly to immunocompromised individuals. Despite gardening being a popular hobby, the presence of this fungus, which has been declared a significant fungal threat by the WHO, underscores the serious health risks involved, especially for those with weakened immune systems. The soil and compost you bring home from the hardware store might carry hidden dangers, a recent University of Georgia study suggests.
Researchers found significant concentrations of multidrug-resistant fungi in commercial soil products and flower bulbs. Aspergillus fumigatus, a common fungus found in soil, can be particularly hazardous to human health when inhaled. This risk is especially severe for individuals with weakened immune systems, who could face a mortality rate close to 100% if infected by a multi-drug resistant strain of the fungus.
“People don’t think of tulips as deadly, but they could be,” said Marin Brewer, lead author of the study and a professor in UGA’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. “Gardening is a nice, stress-relieving hobby,” Brewer said. “But I’m nervous for people who may not be aware that working with compost and flower bulbs could pose a risk to their health.
” Those people include individuals with chronic ob.
