A new, out-of-this-world ‘superbug’ has been discovered aboard the International Space Station.
Despite the highly controlled environment on the ISS, the bug made its way into space, where scientists were able to observe the mutating pathogen over the course of two years.
Scientists now say the newly discovered multidrug-resistant ISS superbug Enterobacter bugandenis is completely different from its Earth counterpart.
The bed bug, which is known to infect the respiratory system, could pose a risk to the crew on board.
This is according to a study published in the scientific journal ‘Microbiome’. scientists believe that the strain evolved to become stronger in the confined environment of the ISS.
Over time, scientists isolated 13 chains of the bug, where they conducted a comprehensive study.
According to the report, the researchers said the finding merited the need for “stronger preventive measures.”
The report says: “The unique nature of the stress of the space environment, unlike any on Earth, may be management these genomic adaptations…
“The implications of these findings are twofold. First, they shed light on microbial behavior, adaptation and evolution in extreme, isolated environments.”
“Secondly, they emphasize the need for robust preventive measures to ensure health and the safety of astronauts by mitigating the risks associated with potential pathogen threats.”
Senior Researcher at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory Dr. Kasthuri Venkateswaran said the research will help reveal how some benign microorganisms adapt and survive in “adverse conditions”.
He said: “Knowledge gained from this study would shed light on microbial behaviour, adaptation and evolution in extreme, isolated environments, enabling the design of new countermeasure strategies to eradicate opportunistic pathogens.”
While germs and bacteria find their way into space, they don’t make it down.
NASA and other space agencies are very careful to ensure that no terrestrial life forms join the journey.
A NASA statement said: “Enclosed human-made environments such as the ISS are unique regions that provide extreme environments exposed to microgravity, radiation and elevated levels of carbon dioxide.
“Any microorganisms introduced into these areas must adapt to thrive.
“By delving into microbial dynamics in extreme environments, this research opens the door to effective preventative measures for astronaut health.”
Last year, it was reported that astronauts on the ISS may have inhaled nanoplastic particles.
The air on the International Space Station (ISS) was dirtier than the floor of the average British home, a study revealed.
While the air is constantly being recirculated and CO2 is being removed, the structure is aging and scientists are not sure how well the filtration system can remove certain chemicals.
The ISS has been in Earth orbit for 24 years, and during that time hundreds of astronauts have passed through the space center, bringing with them a variety of personal items for their sometimes months-long stays.
So-called “space dust” included polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD), “new” brominated flame retardants (BFRs), organophosphate esters (OPEs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), and polychlorinated biphenyls ( PCBs).
What experiments are being carried out on the ISS?
This is not the first time that “bugs” have been in space.
According to a study published in Microbiome in 2019, the ISS is home to a diverse population of bacteria and fungi.
Scientists catalog each sample and test it in various places on board. To do this, the researchers disinfect each site with a tissue used to detect the presence of DNA.
Bugs found on the ISS include bacteria such as:
- Acinetobacter
- Sphingomonas
- Bacillus
And mushrooms like:
- Aspergillus
- Cryptococcus
- Rhodotorula
These experiments and subsequent findings are fundamental to understanding how mutations work.
In another study, scientists tested another bacterium by attaching it to the outside of the ISS. The bacteria reportedly did well and survived up to three years during the experiment.