Horizon Season 1986 Episode 5 Outbreak: The Microbe Masters the Mould

Outbreaks of deadly diseases have always been a threat to human existence, and in Horizon season 1986 episode 5 titled "Outbreak: The Microbe Masters the Mould," the show explores the science behind mould and its ability to spread dangerous microbes.

The episode begins with the real-life story of a woman who, in the 1980s, visited the hospital for a routine surgery and contracted a deadly fungal infection called aspergillosis. The doctors were unable to find the cause of her illness at first, but eventually, the culprit was revealed to be mould spores in the hospital ventilation system that had invaded her lungs and started growing inside her. This incident and many similar cases sparked the interest of medical researchers, who started looking at the role of fungi in causing lethal infections in humans.

Horizon takes us on a journey into the world of mould and fungus, revealing their powerful yet often harmful effects on living organisms. We learn how mould is a type of fungus that grows in damp and humid places and releases spores that can travel long distances through the air. If these spores land on a suitable surface, they can germinate and develop powerful roots called hyphae, which can penetrate deep into the material and even break down walls.

The team of scientists working in the episode highlights the particular danger of a type of fungi known as opportunistic pathogens, which typically present little threat to healthy individuals but pose a significant risk to those with weakened immune systems. These pathogens are becoming increasingly common in hospitals due to the extensive use of antibiotics and other medical interventions, which can impact a patient's natural defence mechanisms and facilitate an opportunistic infection.

In the show, we see how researchers are racing against time to develop new ways to identify and track these deadly fungi, before they cause widespread harm to human populations. They are using advanced genetic technologies to map the genomes of different fungal species and understand their behaviour, metabolism, and the virulence factors that allow them to cause disease.

Horizon then looks at the different strategies that researchers are adopting to control the spread of fungal infections. Some are exploring the use of antifungal drugs and other drugs to boost immune response, while others are developing new ways to eradicate mould in buildings and other environments. The episode showcases some of these technologies in action, revealing how ultraviolet light, ozone, and even gas sterilisation can be used to kill mould spores and prevent their re-growth.

The show also features interviews with patients who have recovered from fungal infections and the medical professionals who treated them, sharing their stories of survival and the lessons learnt from their experiences. We also hear from experts who caution about the importance of adopting proactive measures to prevent fungal proliferation in the first place, such as building design, ventilation systems, and air quality control.

All in all, Horizon season 1986 episode 5 "Outbreak: The Microbe Masters the Mould" is an insightful and thought-provoking look into the world of fungi, moulds, and the microbial threats they pose to human health. The episode combines powerful visuals, compelling interviews, and cutting-edge science to deliver an engaging and informative narrative that warns us of the dangers of complacency in the face of a growing threat.