Researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology-Madras (IIT-Madras) and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) are conducting a critical study on a ‘superbug,’ a multidrug-resistant pathogen identified on the International Space Station (ISS). This discovery has sparked significant health concerns for astronauts, including Sunita Williams, who is currently on the ISS. The findings from this research may also provide valuable insights for addressing similar health threats on Earth.
The Superbug: Enterobacter bugandensis
The pathogen under investigation, Enterobacter bugandensis, is a prevalent hospital-acquired bacterium notorious for its resistance to multiple antibiotics. This superbug has been identified on various surfaces within the International Space Station (ISS), presenting a significant challenge to the health and safety of astronauts.
Detection and Investigation
The presence of Enterobacter bugandensis on the ISS was detailed in a recent scientific paper supported by an Ames Space Biology grant. The research, led by Dr. Kasthuri Venkateswaran, a Principal Investigator at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), involved isolating and examining strains of E. bugandensis from the ISS environment.
Mutation and Adaptation
The study discovered that the Enterobacter bugandensis strains on the ISS had undergone mutations, making them genetically and functionally distinct from their Earth-based counterparts. This adaptation is attributed to the extreme conditions of space.
Health Risks for Astronauts
The presence of Enterobacter bugandensis on the ISS poses significant health risks for astronauts, including Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams and her colleagues. This superbug, capable of infecting the respiratory system, has adapted to the closed and unique environment of the ISS, increasing its potency and making it harder to control. The extreme conditions of space, such as microgravity, heightened radiation, and elevated carbon dioxide levels, have accelerated the evolution and persistence of these pathogens, posing a formidable challenge to astronaut health management.
Research Collaboration and Discoveries
The collaboration between IIT-Madras and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) united experts such as Professor Karthik Raman from IIT-Madras’ Department of Data Science and AI, Dr. Kasthuri Venkateswaran from JPL, and research scholars from both institutions. Their findings, published in the journal Microbiome, revealed that Enterobacter bugandensis strains not only survived but flourished in the ISS environment. These superbugs co-existed with other microorganisms, potentially aiding in their persistence and adaptation to the unique conditions of space.
Broader Implications of the Study
The findings from this research extend far beyond the confines of the ISS. By studying how benign microorganisms adapt and assist opportunistic pathogens like Enterobacter bugandensis in surviving extreme conditions, we can develop strategies to tackle similar threats on Earth. This research underscores the critical need for effective preventative measures to safeguard astronaut health and ensure the safety of closed, human-built environments such as the ISS.
Dr. Kasthuri Venkateswaran remarked, “Our research reveals how specific benign microorganisms assist in the adaptation and survival of the opportunistic human pathogen *E. bugandensis* in the challenging environment of the International Space Station. Insights from this study enhance our understanding of microbial behavior, adaptation, and evolution in extreme, isolated settings, which can guide the development of innovative countermeasures to eliminate opportunistic pathogens and safeguard astronaut health.”
Image:AP Photo
