Researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) and NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) are delving into the complexities of multidrug-resistant pathogens aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Their comprehensive study, focusing on the nosocomial pathogen Enterobacter bugandensis found on ISS surfaces, aims to enhance our understanding of the genomic, functional, and metabolic adaptations of these pathogens.

Figure 1. International Space Station (ISS). (Credit: IIT Madras)

Astronauts face unique health challenges due to altered immune conditions and limited access to traditional medical facilities during space missions. Therefore, understanding the microbial landscape on the ISS is crucial for evaluating the impact of these microorganisms on astronaut health.

This research underscores the necessity of investigating the pathogenic potential of microorganisms in space environments to protect astronaut health and mitigate risks from opportunistic pathogens. The collaboration between IIT Madras and NASA's JPL highlights the significance of international partnerships in advancing scientific knowledge and tackling the challenges of space exploration [1]. Published in the journal Microbiome, this study marks a significant step forward in understanding microbial dynamics in confined environments (DOI: 10.1186/s40168-024-01777-1).

The findings from this study are not only crucial for space missions but also hold promise for controlled settings on Earth, such as hospital intensive care units and surgical theaters, where multidrug-resistant pathogens pose serious challenges to patient care [2].

The research was led by Prof. Karthik Raman from the Department of Data Science and AI, Wadhwani School of Data Science and AI (WSAI) at IIT Madras, and Dr. Kasthuri Venkateswaran, a Senior Research Scientist at NASA’s JPL. Key contributors included research scholars Mr. Pratyay Sengupta and Mr. Shobhan Karthick MS from IIT Madras, and Mr. Nitin Kumar Singh from NASA’s JPL. Funding was provided by the Science and Engineering Research Board and the Prime Minister's Research Fellowship from the Ministry of Education to Mr. Pratyay Sengupta.

Commenting on the research, Prof. Karthik Raman 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."

Dr. Kasthuri Venkateswaran added, "Our research uncovers how certain benign microorganisms help the opportunistic human pathogen, E. bugandensis, adapt and survive in the harsh conditions of the ISS. The knowledge gained from this study will shed light on microbial behavior, adaptation, and evolution in extreme, isolated environments, allowing us to design novel countermeasure strategies to eradicate opportunistic pathogens and protect the health of astronauts."

The research team identified detailed genomic features and potential antimicrobial resistance mechanisms within E. bugandensis strains from various ISS locations. They elucidated the evolution of key genes and their responses to space environment stressors. Using advanced systems biology approaches, the team uncovered a complex web of interactions between E. bugandensis and other microorganisms on the ISS, highlighting both parasitic and symbiotic relationships influencing microbial growth dynamics.

By mapping the prevalence and distribution of E. bugandensis over time, the study offers valuable insights into its persistence, succession, and potential colonization patterns in space, providing crucial information for future space missions and terrestrial applications in combating multidrug-resistant pathogens.

Source: IIT Madras

Reference:

1. https://theprint.in/science/iit-madras-nasa-jointly-study-multidrug-resistant-pathogens-on-international-space-station/2126266/
2. https://www.millenniumpost.in/k-reers/iit-madras-nasa-study-multidrug-resistant-pathogens-on-iss-567652?infinitescroll=1

Cite this article:

Hana M (2024), Exploring Multidrug-Resistant Pathogens on the International Space Station: A Collaborative Study by IIT Madras and NASA's JPL, AnaTechMaz, pp. 26