How Do Deadly Bacteria Detect Sources of Human Blood for Feeding?

Deadly Bacteria: The Blood-Seeking Vampires

In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers have revealed a sinister behavior among some of the world’s deadliest bacteria: they actively seek out and feed on human blood. This phenomenon, dubbed “bacterial vampirism,” has the potential to transform our understanding of bloodstream infections and lead to new treatment strategies.

Sensing the Call of Blood

The team, led by researchers at Washington State University, found that these bacteria possess a remarkable ability to sense a chemical in human blood called serine. This amino acid, commonly found in blood and protein drinks, acts as a siren’s call, attracting the bacteria like moths to a flame.

Using microscopic techniques, researchers simulated intestinal bleeding by injecting minute amounts of human serum into a chamber containing bacteria. The response was astonishingly swift. Within seconds, the bacteria, which included Salmonella enterica, Escherichia coli, and Citrobacter koseri, surged towards the serum, their tiny bodies swimming relentlessly towards the source of nourishment.

Implications for Treatment

The discovery of bacterial vampirism has profound implications for the understanding and treatment of bloodstream infections. By learning how these bacteria navigate their way to their food source, researchers hope to identify potential targets for new drugs.

“We could potentially develop new drugs that block this ability [of bacteria to detect血], thereby preventing them from finding and feeding on blood,” said PhD student Siena Glenn, lead author of the study.

Such drugs could complement existing antibiotics, making treatments more effective and potentially reducing the risk of severe sepsis and other life-threatening complications.

The Role of Diet

Interestingly, the researchers found that the presence of serine in certain dietary supplements may play a role in attracting bacteria to the bloodstream.

Arden Baylink, a professor at WSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine and corresponding author for the research, explains, “We often think of dietary supplements as being healthy, but our results suggest that some supplements may increase the risk of bloodstream infections by providing bacteria with the nutrients they need to thrive in the blood.”

While further research is needed, these findings underscore the importance of a balanced diet and caution against excessive consumption of supplements that may inadvertently fuel bacterial growth.

Conclusion

The discovery of bacterial vampirism is a testament to the ever-evolving nature of infectious diseases. As bacteria adapt and evolve, so must our strategies for combating them. By uncovering the secrets of bacterial attraction to human blood, researchers are opening new avenues for innovation in infection control and paving the way for more effective and targeted treatments.

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