Deep within our blood, a discovery reveals an astonishing phenomenon: certain bacteria are drawn to our vital fluid, the serum, nicknamed "vampire bacteria." This revelation comes from a team of researchers at the
Washington State University, shedding light on this mystery and offering new insights into blood infections.
These microorganisms prove to be formidable predators, including Salmonella enterica, Escherichia coli, and Citrobacter koseri, venturing into our circulatory system in search of their favorite prey. They are particularly drawn to a specific component of human blood: serine, an amino acid also found in protein drinks.
The implications of this discovery are significant, especially in understanding blood infections. These infections are often the result of an intrusion of these bacteria through intestinal bleeding, a common occurrence in patients suffering from inflammatory bowel diseases.
Using advanced techniques, researchers simulated these bleedings to observe the behavior of these pathogens. The results are striking: in less than a minute, the bacteria reach their nutrient source, demonstrating formidable efficiency in their quest for survival.
At the heart of this blood treasure hunt, Salmonella stands out with its sophisticated detection system, the Tsr protein receptor, allowing it to locate and move towards the serum. This discovery paves the way for new therapeutic avenues, with the potential to develop drugs aimed at blocking this bacterial detection capability.
Article author: Cédric DEPOND