How a Blood Protein Helps Defend Against Black Fungus
A common blood protein protects against black fungus, according to new research that sheds light on why some patients develop life-threatening fungal infections while others do not. Scientists have discovered that albumin, the most abundant protein in human blood, plays a direct and active role in defending the body against mucormycosis, often called black fungus.
This discovery, published in Nature, offers fresh hope for earlier detection and simpler prevention strategies for a disease that still kills more than half of those it infects.
What Is Black Fungus (Mucormycosis)?
Mucormycosis is a rare but extremely aggressive fungal infection caused by moulds known as Mucorales. These fungi can invade the sinuses, lungs, brain, and even blood vessels, where they destroy tissue and block blood flow.
Importantly, the disease mostly strikes people who are already vulnerable, especially those with:
- Diabetes
- Weakened immune systems
- Chronic illnesses or poor nutrition
Once established, black fungus spreads rapidly and is difficult to treat, which explains its high death rate.
Lab Experiments Confirm a Protective Role
To test their theory, researchers performed controlled laboratory experiments using healthy human blood.
- When albumin was removed, the black fungus grew aggressively.
- When albumin was added back, fungal growth was sharply reduced.
This confirmed that albumin is not just a marker of illness, but it actively helps stop the fungus.
How Albumin Stops the Fungus
The researchers then uncovered how this protection works.
Albumin carries fatty acids in small binding pockets. When it encounters black fungus, albumin releases these fats into the bloodstream. These fatty acids block the fungus from producing mucoricin, a powerful toxin that kills human cells and allows the infection to spread.
In simple terms:
- Normal albumin levels = toxin blocked, infection slowed
- Low albumin levels = toxin released, infection worsens
This explains why albumin deficiency dramatically increases the risk of mucormycosis.
Why This Discovery Matters for Patients
The finding that a blood protein protects against black fungus could change how doctors manage at-risk patients.
1. Earlier Risk Detection :
A simple blood test measuring albumin levels could help identify people at high risk before infection begins.
2. New Treatment Strategies: Correcting low albumin levels may strengthen the body’s natural defences and reduce disease severity.
3. A Practical Preventive Option: Albumin supplementation, already used safely in hospitals, could become a short-term preventive or supportive therapy for vulnerable patients.
As the study’s senior author noted, restoring albumin levels may be a simple, affordable, and effective way to help prevent and treat mucormycosis.
What This Means for Public Health
This research is especially relevant in populations where diabetes, malnutrition, and chronic illness are common. By recognising albumin as more than just a routine lab value, clinicians may gain a powerful new tool against one of the deadliest fungal infections known.
In summary, the study reveals that a common blood protein protects against black fungus by blocking fungal toxins and reinforcing the body’s natural defences, an insight that could save lives with timely testing and intervention.
Source: Inputs from various media Sources
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
- Health News and Updates,People Forum
- 12 January 2026
- 15:00
