A drug-resistant bacterium that can be transmitted through human blood and cause irreparable damage to the body… This is not an Alien-type thriller scenario, but a discovery of NASAwhich detected a severe mutation of the bacterium on the International Space Station (ISS) E. bugandensiswhich is associated with rot.

The researchers discovered 13 strains of the bacterium, called Enterobacter bugandensis, which are linked to blood infections and could endanger the health of astronauts on the ISS.

According to the NASA study, the different environment in International Space Station, “forced” the bacteria to adapt to the new reality and mutate to a sufficient degree in order to survive. These bacteria are likely to show resistance to antibiotics, which is considered extremely dangerous for astronauts living on the ISS.

The team identified 13 strains of bacteria in three of its locations ISS: four in the air circulation system, one in an exercise machine and eight in the laboratory bathroom.