Source: DownToEarth

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Context

• A collaborative study by scientists from the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M) and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) has unveiled significant findings regarding a multi-drug-resistant pathogen, Enterobacter bugandensis, aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
• This bacterium, notorious for causing hospital-acquired infections, poses a significant challenge both in space and on Earth.

Details

Key Findings

• Pathogen Characteristics:
  • Enterobacter bugandensisis part of the ESKAPE group of pathogens, known for their resistance to multiple drugs and their prevalence in hospital-acquired infections.
  • These pathogens are particularly resistant to third-generation cephalosporins and quinolones.
• Unique Environment of ISS:
  • The ISS provides a unique setting with microgravity, heightened carbon dioxide levels, and increased radiation, which affect microbial dynamics.
  • Researchers isolated 13 strains of  bugandensisfrom various surfaces within the ISS, noting that these strains underwent accelerated mutations, making them genetically and functionally distinct from their Earth counterparts.
• Genomic and Functional Adaptations:
  • Stress-induced genomic adaptations in the ISS strains bolster their resistance to antimicrobial treatments.
  • The ISS strains displayed remarkable persistence and coexisted with other microorganisms, sometimes even aiding in their survival.

Enterobacter bugandensis

• Enterobacter bugandensisis a multi-drug-resistant bacterium known for causing hospital-acquired infections.
• It belongs to the ESKAPE group of pathogens, which are notorious for their ability to evade antibiotic treatments and contribute to significant morbidity and mortality in healthcare settings.

Classification and Characteristics

• Taxonomy:
  • Kingdom: Bacteria
  • Phylum: Proteobacteria
  • Class: Gammaproteobacteria
• Morphology:
  • Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium.
  • Facultative anaerobe capable of thriving in both aerobic and anaerobic conditions.

Pathogenicity and Clinical Relevance

• Infections:
  • Known to cause a variety of infections, particularly in healthcare settings, including urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, wound infections, and sepsis.
  • Particularly problematic in immunocompromised patients and those with invasive devices such as catheters and ventilators.
• Antibiotic Resistance:
  • Exhibits broad resistance to multiple antibiotics, including third-generation cephalosporins and quinolones.
  • Part of the ESKAPE group, which includes other high-priority pathogens like Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

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Sources:

DownToEarth

PRACTICE QUESTION Q.  Discuss the global implications of multi-drug-resistant pathogens, with a focus on challenges in treatment, prevention strategies, and the role of international cooperation in addressing this critical health issue. (250 Words)