NASA is concerned about bacteria mutations aboard the space station that could spread to Earth

The presence of potentially dangerous mutant bacteria aboard the space station is worrying NASA. Brought back from Earth by astronauts, it adapted to the hostile environment of the orbital complex to such an extent that it became extremely resistant to antibiotics, the researchers note in the study.

Will the Earth soon be overrun by super-resistant mutant bacteria from the International Space Station? It was said quickly, but the news is not encouraging. Researchers have identified the presence bacteriumbacterium Enterobacter bugandensis on board the ISS. Despite the very controlled and rather hostile environment on the station, characterized in particular by microgravity, high levels of CO₂ and increased solar radiation -, microorganismsmicroorganisms The astronauts who returned from Earth really managed to adapt to it!

This happened in 2018 and then in 2021. These bacteria caused a lot of concern, but ultimately turned out to be harmless to humans. The second even demonstrated interesting plant protective properties useful for growing in space.

Threat to the health of astronauts

For E. bugandensis, however, that’s another story. These bacteria, naturally present in our gut microbiome, have also mutated to adapt to the space environment. During the mission Microbiological trackingScientists have identified 13 strains present in various locations on the ISS. Problem: Tests have placed them in the very closed category of ESKAPEE, pathogenic agents that are extremely resistant to all forms of treatment and are responsible for numerous Nosocomial infectionsNosocomial infections.

Question about danger E. bugandensis should not be left behind as this may cause serious blood poisoning. NASA has a lot to worry about, especially since the space environment can affect the virulence of bacteria. In his study published in the journal MicrobiomeTherefore, researchers point to the need to protect the health and safety of astronauts. Advice that has already been followed by the US space agency, which is working to develop preventive measures to avoid epidemicepidemic in space and distribution on Earth.