Researchers at Washington State University have made a groundbreaking discovery, identifying a new trait among deadly bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli. Dubbed ‘bacterial vampirism’, these pathogens are attracted to the liquid part of human blood known as serum, which provides them with essential nutrients.
The study found that these bacteria can easily locate serum and enter the bloodstream through tiny cuts in the digestive system, triggering severe complications in individuals with inflammatory bowel disease. Using a tactic called chemotaxis, the bacteria can detect minuscule amounts of serum and navigate towards the source of blood.
Specifically, Salmonella possesses a unique protein receptor called Tsr, allowing the bacteria to sense and move towards serum. This newfound insight into how bacteria infiltrate the bloodstream opens the door for the development of novel drugs to prevent sepsis, a potentially life-threatening condition.
Individuals with inflammatory bowel disease face a heightened risk of developing serious bacterial infections as a result of bacteria breaching the bloodstream through intestinal tears or cuts. Mastery of how bacteria enter the bloodstream equips scientists with the knowledge needed to avert severe illnesses in those with chronic ailments.
Normally, the presence of harmful bacteria in the gut is held in check by other bacteria and our immune systems. Nevertheless, if these bacteria manage to bypass the protective barriers and enter the bloodstream, they can lead to sepsis, highlighting the significance of this recent research.
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