Enterobacter Bugandensis Pathogen

Source– This post on Enterobacter Bugandensis is based on the article “What is the multi-drug-resistant pathogen found in the International Space Station?” published in “Down To Earth” on 13th June 2024.

Why in the News?

Scientists from IIT-M and NASA’s JPL collaborated to study the genomic, functional, and metabolic adaptations of multi-drug resistant Enterobacter bugandensis pathogen aboard the ISS.

About Enterobacter Bugandensis pathogen

1. Enterobacter bugandensis is a relatively new species within the Enterobacter genus.

2. It was first described in 2013 after being isolated from cases of bloodstream infections in Uganda.

3. Enterobacter bugandensis is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium.

4. This bacterium is typically found in various environments, including soil, water, and the gastrointestinal tracts of animals and humans.

5.  Enterobacter bugandensis can cause various infections, primarily in immunocompromised individuals. These infections include bloodstream infections, respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, and wound infections.

6. It has shown resistance to multiple antibiotics, making treatment challenging.

7. The resistance mechanisms in this pathogen can include beta-lactamase production, efflux pumps, and mutations that reduce drug uptake.

About Multi-Drug-Resistant Pathogen

1. A multi-drug-resistant (MDR) pathogen refers to a microorganism that has developed resistance to multiple antimicrobial agents, typically three or more antimicrobial categories.

2. This resistance can be seen in various types of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites.

3. The most threatening forms of multi-drug resistance to public health are MDR bacteria that resist multiple antibiotics.

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