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Bacterial Attraction to Human Blood Revealed by Research
A recent study conducted by scientists from Washington State University has uncovered a disturbing revelation about certain disease-causing bacteria. These bacteria, including strains of Escherichia coli, exhibit a chemical attraction to the serum found in human blood, using it as a source of nourishment. The implications of this discovery shed light on why these bacteria are often associated with life-threatening conditions such as sepsis.
Understanding Bacteremia and Sepsis
The research aimed to delve deeper into the behavior of bacteria that can infiltrate the bloodstream from other parts of the body, a condition known as bacteremia. While most cases of bacteremia are transient and relatively benign, some instances can lead to severe inflammation and organ damage, resulting in sepsis, a potentially fatal condition.
Three specific bacteria from the Enterobacteriaceae family were the focus of the study: non-typhoidal Salmonella enterica, Citrobacter koseri, and E. coli. These bacteria are commonly associated with intestinal bleeding and bacteremia, posing a significant risk to individuals with inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis.
Experimental Approach and Findings
Utilizing strains of bacteria obtained from actual patients, the researchers employed human blood serum in conjunction with a specialized injection-based microfluidics device to simulate intestinal bleeding. The results were striking, with the bacteria displaying a swift and pronounced attraction to even minute quantities of blood serum, typically detecting its presence within seconds and swiftly moving towards it.
Further investigations with Salmonella highlighted the role of a specific amino acid abundant in serum, L-serine, as a key driver of bacterial movement. This ability to sense and seek out blood for sustenance underscores the adaptability and resourcefulness of these pathogens.
Published as a preprint in the journal Elife, the findings introduce the concept of “bacterial vampirism” to describe the phenomenon of bacteria actively seeking human blood as a nutritional source. This behavior provides insights into the prevalence of bloodstream infections caused by these bacteria and underscores the need for innovative approaches to counteract their invasive capabilities.
Implications for Future Research and Treatment
Lead author Siena Glenn, a PhD student at WSU, emphasized the potential impact of these findings on the development of targeted therapies. By understanding how bacteria detect and utilize blood sources, researchers may be able to devise novel medications that disrupt this mechanism, offering new avenues for safeguarding individuals at risk of bloodstream infections, particularly those with inflammatory bowel diseases.
The study’s implications extend beyond the realm of microbiology, highlighting the intricate relationship between pathogens and their human hosts. As ongoing research seeks to unravel the complexities of bacterial behavior, the hope remains that such knowledge will pave the way for more effective strategies to combat infectious diseases.
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