In a scenario that seems more suited for science fiction, NASA has discovered a mutant bacteria thriving aboard the International Space Station (ISS). This bacteria, known as Enterobacter bugandensis, has adapted to the unique conditions of space and poses a potential health risk to astronauts.
Researchers found 13 strains of this bacteria in different parts of the ISS, including the air circulation system, an exercise device, and the laboratory’s bathroom. This discovery is part of NASA’s ongoing study into the microorganisms that live on the ISS, which started in 2019. The goal is to understand how these organisms affect the environment and the health of astronauts.
The ISS provides a challenging environment for life due to factors like microgravity, increased carbon dioxide levels, and exposure to solar radiation. These conditions forced the bacteria to mutate and become resistant to antibiotics. Enterobacter bugandensis is particularly concerning because it falls into the category of ESKAPE pathogens. These are known for being leading causes of infections acquired in medical settings, such as hospitals.
The health implications of these bacteria are serious. They are linked to severe infections like neonatal sepsis, a blood infection in infants, as well as other life-threatening conditions such as sepsis, urinary tract infections, and endocarditis—an inflammation of the heart’s inner lining.
The study revealed that the strains of bacteria found on the ISS had become genetically and functionally distinct from their Earth counterparts. Researchers noted that the ISS strains had, on average, more genes than those found on Earth, which might explain their resistance to multiple drugs.
The process to identify and analyze these mutations involved several steps. First, scientists studied the changes in the bacteria’s genome and functions as they adapted to the extreme space environment. Next, they examined how prevalent this bacteria was on the ISS. Finally, they looked into the metabolic interactions that allow these bacteria to help other microorganisms survive and flourish in space.
At this time, it is not known how the “space bacteria” may affect astronauts’ health or what would happen if one of these drug-resistant bacteria made it to Earth.
