Has the International Space Station been affected by a Super Bug?

In news that can impact the health of astronauts in the International Space Station (ISS), space researchers have recently discovered 13 new strains of a bacteria. The bacteria are believed to have mutated in space. These strains of the superbug are resistant to the anti-biotics that is consumed on Earth, according to the space researchers. The bacteria mutated from its earthly form to become distinct. The scientific name of the bacteria is ‘Enterobacter bugandensis’ and is found to be less harmful on earth. Presently, the health of the astronauts has not been compromised. However, they have been warned to undergo regular check-ups.

About the Bacteria:
It is found in the gut and a lot of other places. Generally, it does not pose any threat to a healthy individual. It only poses a threat to those with a weak immune system as it attaches itself to the other genomes, weakening the immune system even further and causing infections. Space Scientists have found that the bacteria’s capacity to replicate and infect is much higher in space as it is resistant to the usual drugs that are consumed to tackle it.


What happened in space?
The researchers writing in the medical journal ‘Microbiome’ wrote that 13 strains of the pathogen had found ways to evade the effects of anti-biotics. Some argued that this provided an opportunity to study the growth of pathogens and illness in space. They pointed out that the health of the space scientists at the International Space Station (ISS) is of utmost importance. This assumes importance as no one wants to start a pathological disease in space.

This has brought back the focus on preparing for the pandemic and keeping the hospital infrastructure intact, according to the scientists. They need to be well equipped to deal with super bugs.

FAQs:

1. How many countries are involved in the International Space Station project?
The US, Canada, Japan, Russia and participating countries of the European Space Agency have been involved in this project. It was launched in 1998 as part of an international collaboration.

2. Is the International Space Station visible to the naked human eye?
Yes, this is visible to the naked human eye. It is at a distance of approximately 400km from the Earth.