A statement from NASA and a study published by the journal Microbiome points out that after years studying the bacteria ‘Enterobacter bugandensis’ they found that 13 strains They had mutated. “They became genetically and functionally different compared to their counterparts on Earth,” notes NASA. The scientists concluded that under environmental stress from the International Space Station (ISS), these bacteria “isolated from various places within the ISS” managed to survive and achieve significant proliferation.
And even more worrying for them is that E. bugandensis, in its coexistence with other microorganisms, also favored mutual survival, and that could be a threat to the health of astronauts. Furthermore, they warn that this bacteria could be replenished with the arrival of a whole new crew.
A unique space under observation
The US agency’s statement stated that “closed man-made environments, such as the ISS, are unique areas that provide an extreme environment subjected to microgravity, radiation and high levels of carbon dioxide…Any microorganism introduced into these areas must adapt to thrive.”
Likewise, the study establishes that the ISS is a testimony to human achievements in space exploration. «Despite their highly controlled environment, …microorganisms occupy a unique niche. These microbial inhabitants play an important role in influencing the health and well-being of the astronauts on board. A microorganism of particular interest in our study is Enterobacter bugandensis, which is mainly found in clinical samples, including the human gastrointestinal tract, and which also possesses pathogenic traits, leading to a large number of infections», they say.
They detail that Enterobacter act as opportunistic human pathogens, causing infections in the lower respiratory tract, sepsis and urinary tract infection. And, over time, Enterobacter isolates have been shown to manifest multidrug resistance mechanisms.
(Image above shows illustrative workflow showing the comparative genomic analysis process of E. bugandensis, assessing its prevalence and metabolic interactions within the microbial community and its successful adaptation within the ESS habitat)
A central hypothesis of the researchers is that the unique nature of the stresses of the space environment, unlike any other on Earth, could be driving these genomic changes.
To analyze it more closely, they were observing the survival capacity of E. bugandensis on the ISS over time. With an evolutionary mapping that provided them with relevant information about the colonization patterns that can manifest in the space.
To achieve these results, scientists used advanced analytical techniques such as metabolic modeling. And research across various missions and locations within the ISS has allowed them to discover the complex interactions between microbial communities that coexist with E. bugandensis.
Revealing in the process unique details about the dynamics of the microbial ecosystem. While underlining the need to take measures to ensure the reduction of risks associated with Possible threats in isolated environments. So this research opens the doors to developing preventive measures for the health of astronauts.
