The study focused on strains of this bacteriabetter known for its resistance capacity, isolated from the International Space Station (ISS) during the Microbial Tracking 1 mission. But what the researchers found was surprising: these strains, compared to their terrestrial counterparts, exhibited resistance mechanisms that placed in the ESKAPE pathogen category, best known for their formidable resistance to antimicrobial treatments.
This discovery explains the ability of microorganisms to adapt in extreme environments such as the ISS, where the microgravity, radiation and many other factors They help create a fascinating atmosphere. The strains of this bacteria, under the stress of the space environment, have managed to develop significant genetic and functional changeswhich allows them to persist and proliferate on the ISS.
Could harm the health of astronauts
This leads to raise significant health concerns for astronauts, especially in long-term missions in space. The presence of these multidrug-resistant bacteria could compromise the effectiveness of medical treatments and thereby increase the risk of serious infections in the closed environment of the space station.
The study indicates that these strains of the E. bugandensis bacteria not only coexist with other microorganisms on the ISS, but could also be related to them in a complicated and unknown way. They advocate for address preventive measures robustly to protect the health of astronauts.
