Mutant Bacteria Found On International Space Station (ISS)
General News
Tuesday 23rd, April 2024
NASA scientists have unearthed potentially hazardous strains of bacteria on the International Space Station (ISS), which have mutated under the harsh conditions of space and now present a new health threat to astronauts. The main culprit identified is Enterobacter bugandensis, a bacterium associated with serious infections such as neonatal sepsis, urinary tract infections, and endocarditis.
This discovery was made during a comprehensive examination of microbial life aboard the ISS, where 13 different strains of the bacteria were found in various locations including the air circulation system, a simulator, and the station's bathroom. These microorganisms, originally transported to space with astronauts, have adapted to the unique environment of the ISS, developing resistance to multiple antibiotics.
The research indicates that the extreme conditions on the ISS, such as elevated levels of carbon dioxide, diminished gravity, and increased exposure to solar radiation, have driven these bacteria to undergo significant genetic and functional changes. The scientists' study involved a detailed analysis of the bacterial genomes to understand how they have adapted to survive in space, significantly differing from their terrestrial counterparts.
Further investigation into the metabolic interactions of these bacteria revealed that they could support the survival and growth of other microorganisms, potentially compounding the threat. The findings are pivotal as they suggest that the ISS's environment could inadvertently foster bacteria that are more robust and resistant to conventional treatments.
This development poses new challenges for space health management and necessitates the creation of more stringent decontamination methods and robust antimicrobial strategies to safeguard astronauts' health against these super-resistant bacteria.
This discovery was made during a comprehensive examination of microbial life aboard the ISS, where 13 different strains of the bacteria were found in various locations including the air circulation system, a simulator, and the station's bathroom. These microorganisms, originally transported to space with astronauts, have adapted to the unique environment of the ISS, developing resistance to multiple antibiotics.
The research indicates that the extreme conditions on the ISS, such as elevated levels of carbon dioxide, diminished gravity, and increased exposure to solar radiation, have driven these bacteria to undergo significant genetic and functional changes. The scientists' study involved a detailed analysis of the bacterial genomes to understand how they have adapted to survive in space, significantly differing from their terrestrial counterparts.
Further investigation into the metabolic interactions of these bacteria revealed that they could support the survival and growth of other microorganisms, potentially compounding the threat. The findings are pivotal as they suggest that the ISS's environment could inadvertently foster bacteria that are more robust and resistant to conventional treatments.
This development poses new challenges for space health management and necessitates the creation of more stringent decontamination methods and robust antimicrobial strategies to safeguard astronauts' health against these super-resistant bacteria.
