Produced by: Tarun Mishra
Researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology Madras and NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory have found a strain of bacteria on the International Space Station (ISS) that has evolved distinctly from its Earth-based counterparts.
The study, led by Dr. Kasthuri Venkateswaran, concentrated on Enterobacter bugandensis, a multi-drug-resistant pathogen.
Credit: NASA
The space environment's unique conditions have driven significant genetic mutations in these bacteria, making them functionally and genetically different from strains on Earth.
The analysis highlighted how space conditions affect microbial diversity and may lead to the dominance of E. bugandensis within the ISS ecosystem.
Over a two-year mission named Microbial Tracking 1, researchers isolated 13 strains of E. bugandensis from various ISS locations.
Credit: NASA
Genomic analysis showed that these strains had developed resistance mechanisms, categorizing them as part of the ESKAPE pathogen group, known for resistance to antimicrobial treatments.
Representative pic
The space-evolved E. bugandensis strains were not only viable over extended periods but also coexisted with other microorganisms, potentially aiding their survival.
The findings underscore the need for vigilant monitoring and mitigation strategies to ensure astronaut safety and habitat integrity. The research, published in April 2024, aims to develop effective preventative measures for maintaining astronaut health in extreme environments like the ISS.