IIT Madras, NASA Study Multidrug-resistant Pathogens On International Space Station

Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) Researchers are studying multi-drug resistant pathogens on the International Space Station (ISS), which could have key applications for astronauts' health as well on Earth.

The researchers conducted a comprehensive study to understand the genomic, functional and metabolic enhancements observed in multidrug-resistant pathogens with a particular focus on Enterobacter bugandensis, a prevalent nosocomial pathogen found on surfaces within the ISS.

Astronauts operating in altered immune conditions with limited access to traditional medical facilities face unique health challenges during space missions. Understanding the microbial landscape aboard the ISS is paramount for assessing the impact of these microorganisms on astronaut well-being.

The current study emphasises the critical need to investigate the pathogenic potential of microorganisms in space environments to safeguard astronaut health and mitigate the risks associated with opportunistic pathogens.

The collaborative efforts between IIT Madras and NASA’s JPL underscore the importance of international partnerships in advancing scientific knowledge and addressing the challenges of space exploration. This research represents a significant advancement in understanding microbial dynamics in confined environments.

The findings hold promise for applications in controlled settings on Earth, including hospital intensive care units and surgical theatres, where multidrug-resistant pathogens pose significant challenges to patient care.

Commenting on the need for such research, Karthik Raman, Department of Data Science and AI, Wadhwani School of Data Science and AI (WSAI) said, “Microbes continue to puzzle us by growing in the most challenging conditions – studies such as these serve to help us unravel the complex web of interactions underlying microbial growth and survival in such unique environments.”

Emphasising the broader implications of the research, Kasthuri Venkateswaran, Senior Research Scientist at JPL, NASA, said, “Our research uncovers the microbial community interactions of how certain benign microorganisms help to adapt and survive opportunistic human pathogen, E. bugandensis, in the unfavourable conditions of the International Space Station. The knowledge gained from this study would shed light on microbial behaviour, adaptation, and evolution in extreme, isolated environments that allow in designing novel countermeasure strategies to eradicate opportunistic pathogens, thus protecting the health of astronauts.”

The research team identified detailed genomic features and potential antimicrobial resistance mechanisms within E. bugandensis strains isolated from various locations within the ISS.

The study elucidated the evolution of key genes and their responses to the stressors inherent to the space environment. Leveraging advanced systems biology approaches, the researchers uncovered a complex web of interactions between E. bugandensis and other microorganisms aboard the ISS, highlighting both parasitic and symbiotic relationships that influence microbial growth dynamics.

By mapping the prevalence and distribution of E. bugandensis over time, the study provides valuable insights into its persistence, succession, and potential colonisation patterns in space.