NASA has discovered mutant bacteria growing in space!

NASA found a mutant bacterium developing in space. Researchers have discovered 13 strains of the bacterium ‘Enterobacter bugandensis’, which is linked to blood infections on the ISS and could jeopardise the health of astronauts on board.

GAINING RESISTANCE TO ANTIBIOTICS The extreme environment on the International Space Station, such as high carbon dioxide levels, forced bacteria to mutate, and when exposed to microgravity, bacteria can become resistant to antibiotics. WARNING FROM RESEARCHERS The bacteria hitchhiked to the astronauts and arrived at the orbiting laboratory, and now researchers have warned that microgravity could affect the health of astronauts, making them more susceptible to infections from bacteria.

The bacterium has been linked to serious infections in infants, such as a blood infection called neonatal sepsis. LIFE-THREATENING INFLAMMATION Enterobacter infections can also result in sepsis, urinary tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections and endocarditis, a life-threatening inflammation of the inner surface of the heart chambers and valves.

‘The study findings show that under stress, strains isolated from the ISS mutated and became genetically and functionally differentiated compared to their counterparts on Earth. The strains, subspecies of the bacteria, were able to survive on the ISS in significant numbers over time.’ The researchers also determined that the mutant strains have completely different genes that could cause their multidrug-resistant capabilities. By studying how microorganisms survive the extreme environments on the ISS, the scientists said, 'this research opens the door to effective preventive measures for astronaut health'.