May 14, 2024 at 2:10 p.m.
A shocking discovery was made by researchers at the POTafter finding 13 strains of the bacteria Enterobacter bugandensis in the International Space Station (ISS), which mutated when it found itself in Space.
This pathogen is found mostly in the gastrointestinal tract and is related to serious infections of the blood, skin and urinary tissues, sepsis, and even endocarditiswhich can potentially be mortal.
While in extreme conditions aboard the ISS, the bacteria became even more dangerous that the version that exists on Earth in order to survive, acquiring about 578 complex mutations and new genes that make it resistant to antibiotics.
“The ISS genomes had an average of 4,568 genes, a significantly higher count than the average of 4,416 genes found in Earth genomes.”, they explained from NASA.
Concern for the crew of the International Space Station due to the presence of mutant bacteria
The biggest concern of NASA experts behind the discovery of 13 mutant strains of the Enterobacter bugandensis bacteria on the International Space Station is the well-being of the astronauts who work aboard the ship, since your health could be compromised and the pathogen has generated resistance against medications.
“The microbial population of the ISS could potentially affect the microbiomes of astronauts and replenish with the arrival of a new crew. Therefore, understanding colonization, succession, and microbial interactions is critical to ensuring astronaut well-being and managing microbial risks in isolated and confined human habitats.“, they concluded from the entity.
