Indian Man Becomes World’s First Victim of ‘Killer’ Plant Fungus Chondrostereum purpureum

Abstract

A person was infected with Chondrostereum purpureum, which led to flu-like symptoms. However, it results in silver leaf disease in the flora, most often in rose species. It is transmitted by spores in the air. It is so called because it often results in death and eventually turns leaves silver. But, doctors in India have revealed what they believe to be the first incidence of it ever infecting humans. A 61-year-old man who had been experiencing symptoms, including a cough, exhaustion, trouble swallowing, and a scratchy voice for three months sought treatment at The Apollo Multispecialty Hospitals in Kolkata. The individual had no medical history, in contrast to those considered to be the most vulnerable to fungal infections that are known to jump species, such as those with cancer, HIV, respiratory conditions, and organ transplants. Meanwhile, he was a plant mycologist, who was dealing with a variety of plant fungus and mushrooms.