13 strains of Enterobacter bugandensis that are thriving in the unique space environment have been found. According to scientists, the extreme conditions including high carbon dioxide levels and microgravity onboard the ISS compelled the bacterial strains to mutate so that they could survive. These bacterial strains are capable of coexisting with a variety of other microorganisms and have also aided in their survival.
But how did the bacteria reach the ISS? Around 300 astronauts have visited the ISS since it was launched in 1998. The bacteria could have been carried to the ISS unintentionally by these astronauts during their visits. Scientists fear that the bacteria’s ability to thrive in harsh space conditions could make astronauts on space missions more vulnerable to diseases caused by them. The study suggests that the adaptation process caused the E bugandensis bacterial strains to become functionally and genetically different from their forms on Earth. The bacteria’s mutations also caused them to become resistant to antibiotics, which could not only be detrimental to the health of astronauts, but also threaten humans if carried to Earth.
Here on Earth, climate change is causing the re-emergence of bacterial and viral strains that were previously buried deep inside polar ice. Further research needs to be carried out to understand the exact impact of these strains and scientists are working on preventive solutions to keep them in check.
Bacteria | Image for representational purposes
