NEW DELHI: The International Space Station is not bug-proof and this shocking revelation is now a new challenge for Nasa‘s Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams and the eight other crew members. According to reports, a multi-drug resistant bacteria named Enterobacter bugandensis lurks inside the station — thriving in the close environment of the station.
What is the superbug? How do they reach space?
The space bug is not an extra-terrestrial being but a normal bug that travelled to space from Earth when the astronauts reached the ISS and then mutated there.
Here’s what we know about the superbug
Researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology Madras and Nasa Jet Propulsion Laboratory conducted a study about the bacteria.
13 strains of the superbug have been found in the station at various locations.
The bug infects the respiratory system.
Bugs are everywhere but their presence in the ISS is more concerning as ISS has a controlled atmosphere and there is limited access to medicine facilities.
According to Nasa, the strains of the bacteria evolved over time and co-existed with other microorganisms.
Enterobacter bugandensis is present on earth, primarily in clinical specimens, including from the human gut.
A study published in the journal Microbiome claimed the bacterium from the ISS sample developed a method to evade the action of many different types of antibiotics.
Nasa scientist Dr Kasthuri Venkateswaran said, “Our research uncovers how certain benign microorganisms help to adapt and survive opportunistic human pathogen, E. bugandensis, in the unfavourable conditions of the International Space Station. The knowledge gained from this study would shed light on microbial behaviour, adaptation, and evolution in extreme, isolated environments that allow in designing novel countermeasure strategies to eradicate opportunistic pathogens, thus protecting the health of astronauts.”
“Closed human-built environments, such as the ISS, are unique areas that provide an extreme environment subject to microgravity, radiation, and elevated carbon dioxide levels. Any microorganisms introduced to these areas must adapt to thrive. By delving into microbial dynamics in extreme environments, this research opens doors to effective preventative measure for astronaut health,” Nasa said.
What is the superbug? How do they reach space?
The space bug is not an extra-terrestrial being but a normal bug that travelled to space from Earth when the astronauts reached the ISS and then mutated there.
Here’s what we know about the superbug
Researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology Madras and Nasa Jet Propulsion Laboratory conducted a study about the bacteria.
13 strains of the superbug have been found in the station at various locations.
The bug infects the respiratory system.
Bugs are everywhere but their presence in the ISS is more concerning as ISS has a controlled atmosphere and there is limited access to medicine facilities.
According to Nasa, the strains of the bacteria evolved over time and co-existed with other microorganisms.
Enterobacter bugandensis is present on earth, primarily in clinical specimens, including from the human gut.
A study published in the journal Microbiome claimed the bacterium from the ISS sample developed a method to evade the action of many different types of antibiotics.
Nasa scientist Dr Kasthuri Venkateswaran said, “Our research uncovers how certain benign microorganisms help to adapt and survive opportunistic human pathogen, E. bugandensis, in the unfavourable conditions of the International Space Station. The knowledge gained from this study would shed light on microbial behaviour, adaptation, and evolution in extreme, isolated environments that allow in designing novel countermeasure strategies to eradicate opportunistic pathogens, thus protecting the health of astronauts.”
“Closed human-built environments, such as the ISS, are unique areas that provide an extreme environment subject to microgravity, radiation, and elevated carbon dioxide levels. Any microorganisms introduced to these areas must adapt to thrive. By delving into microbial dynamics in extreme environments, this research opens doors to effective preventative measure for astronaut health,” Nasa said.
Source Agencies
