It’s an otherworldly epidemic.
Astronauts aboard the International Space Station are living with a newly discovered, highly drug-resistant bacteria, according to a new scientific study.
Science magazine “Microbiome. “
This superbug, officially named Enterobacter bugandensis, is completely different from any found on Earth.
“The unique stresses of the space environment, which differ from those on Earth, may be driving these genomic adaptations,” the report states.
Over the course of two years, scientists isolated 13 bugs from different locations on the ISS and left them to adapt on their own in a closed, human environment.
Will the microorganisms introduced to the ISS reproduce?e.
According to the report, E. Burgandensis stressed the need to find ways to adapt and take more “strong precautions” to protect the health of astronauts.
Isolated aboard the ISS, scientists were able to observe the spread and prevalence of bacteria over time, as the ISS provided a particularly unique habitat for microbes to thrive, with its microgravity, elevated carbon dioxide levels, and radiation.
On Earth, Enterobacter Microorganisms often cause infections such as osteomyelitis and urinary tract infections. National Library of Medicine.
In their hypothesis, the scientists concluded that the changes observed in the fibers are due to the effects of being in space.
The ISS has previously been used to house large numbers of bacteria and fungi to help scientists understand how living and traveling in space affects microorganisms.
