Researchers analyze antibiotic resistant bacteria found in ISS

Researchers from Caltech studied bacteria from the ISS space toilet and exercise platform. They found five strains resistant to common antibiotics like penicillin, rifampin, and cephazolin. The microbes are a type of Enterobacter, which can cause diseases in newborns and those with weak immune systems. The study, published in BMC Microbiology, indicates a 79% chance these bacteria could be pathogenic to humans.

What type of bacterium was found on the ISS that can cause diseases in newborns?

• E. coli

• Enterobacter

• Staphylococcus

• Salmonella

What is the significance of the microbes found on the ISS according to the study?

• They are harmless

• They could be pathogenic

• They are beneficial

• They are extinct