WHY NASA STUDIES INFECTIOUS 'BUGS' IN SPACE

Scientists believe that bacteria such as E. coli may experience stress in microgravity.

This stress triggers defense systems in the bacteria, making it harder for antibiotics to work against them. 

Scientists on the International Space Station have been studying how bacteria and viruses behave in space. Stock image 

Scientists on the International Space Station have been studying how bacteria and viruses behave in space. Stock image 

Bacteria on Earth do something similar by developing a natural resistance to traditional antibiotic treatments. 

In recent research on the International Space Station, scientists compared two of E. coli: one with a naturally occurring gene that helps it resist antibiotics, the other without.

In the recent past, the space agency has also studied various forms of herpes, including:

Epstein Barr virus: Also known as human herpesvirus 4, is a member of the herpes virus family and is spread bodily fluids, mainly saliva.

Varicella zoster: Known to infect humans and vertebrates. It only affects humans, and commonly causes chickenpox in children, teens and young adults

Cytomegalovirus: It spreads from person to person through body fluids, such as blood, saliva, urine, semen and breast milk.

Herpes simplex viruses: Can cause genital herpes, but most cases of genital herpes are caused by herpes type 2. In HSV-2, the infected person may have sores around the genitals or rectum. 

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