Enterobacter bugandensis is primarily found in clinical specimens including the human gastrointestinal tract.
The International Space Station (ISS) stands as a testament to human achievement in space exploration.
Despite its highly controlled environment, characterised by microgravity, increased carbon dioxide levels, and elevated solar radiation, microorganisms occupy a unique niche.
These microbial inhabitants play a significant role in influencing the health and well-being of astronauts on board.
One microorganism of particular interest is Enterobacter bugandensis, a Gram-negative bacterium notorious for being multi-drug resistant.
“Microorganisms within built environments profoundly affect the health of inhabitants,” said senior author Dr. Kasthuri Venkateswaran from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and colleagues.
“The ISS, a highly controlled built environment harboring extreme conditions such as microgravity, solar radiation, and elevated carbon dioxide levels levels, offers a unique place for studying microbial survival and adaptation.”
“Recent studies have demonstrated that microorganisms exposed to microgravity can acquire antibiotic resistance and heightened virulence via rapid mutations and horizontal gene transfer.”
“Prolonged space travel under microgravity can also compromise astronauts’ immune systems, elevating their vulnerability to diseases.”
“The microbial population of the ISS might potentially impact astronauts’ microbiomes and get replenished by the arrival of new crew.”
“Thus, understanding microbial colonization, succession, and interactions is pivotal for ensuring astronaut well-being and managing microbial risks in isolated and confined human habitats.”
In their new study, the authors analyzed thirteen strains of Enterobacter bugandensis isolated from the ISS.
Their results indicate that under stress, these strains were mutated and became genetically and functionally distinct compared to their Earth…
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