Keeping nanobacterial infections at bay during space travel

Pavláth

2005

J. Proteome Res.

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Primordial proteins regulate the response of nanobacteria to variations in their environment and reinforce existing pathogenic potentials. By analyzing specific response patterns, we predicted the prevalence of nanobacteria in HIV--and in the atmosphere. A current clinical study indicates the identification of a possibly giant nanobacterial reservoir in Africa: a significant fraction of a test group (40 HIV-infected mothers and 13 babies) was infected with nanobacteria. Concurrently, a multitude of 80-300 nm nanovesicles, apparently nanobacteria, were detected in the atmosphere of the Earth. Nanobacterial infections in HIV are possibly comparable to the twin epidemics HIV and tuberculosis. Models inspired by proteomics recommend methods to inactivate nanobacteria (and other slime-producing bacteria) in the body.

Section: Nanobacteria In Hivsupporting

confidence: 83%

Section: Nanobacteria In Hivmentioning

confidence: 99%

Primordial Proteins and HIV

Pavláth

2005

J. Proteome Res.

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“…Astronauts selected for future missions to Mars will have a very high level of intrinsic fitness but they will be subjected to a range of stresses that over time will compromise immune function [35]. A crew will carry with them a sizeable pool of microbial genotypes from which may emerge antibiotic-resistant bacteria that could cause serious, difficult-to-treat infections.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Towards rational treatment of bacterial infections during extended space travel

Taylor

International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents

2005

In the next 15-30 years, manned space flight to Mars, our planetary neighbour, will become a reality and astronauts are likely to spend at least 2-3 years away from Earth. Time spent in such extreme environments will result in a diminution of immune status and profound changes in the human bacterial microflora. In microgravity, the efficacy of antibiotics is reduced and microbial mutation rates increase dramatically. These factors will impinge on the capacity to treat effectively the infections that will doubtless arise during such long and stressful endeavour. We highlight new rationales for the treatment of infectious disease that may be applicable to therapy in extreme environments such as deep space.

“…[13][14][15] Conversely, therapies to reduce concentrations of NB in the body could be derived from the last two properties. [16][17][18] This becomes clear by realizing that without the protein based slime, the bioadhesive capacity of NB must decrease. 15 Consequently, the probability of a partial elimination of NB via urine must increase.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The latter was shown to elevate the vitality level of a large body of (stressed) mammalian cells, in vitro and in vivo, and observed to block the production of slime in cultured NB . Interestingly, the pathogenic nature of NB can be traced back solely to the synergistic interplay of the first two properties. − Conversely, therapies to reduce concentrations of NB in the body could be derived from the last two properties. − This becomes clear by realizing that without the protein based slime, the bioadhesive capacity of NB must decrease . Consequently, the probability of a partial elimination of NB via urine must increase.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Primordial Proteins and HIVPart II

2005

J. Proteome Res.

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Nanobacteria are suspected to be responsible for a number of diseases, i.e., kidney stones, heart disease, ovarian cancer, peripheral neuropathy, and reduced bone mineral density. Being protected by a mineral shell consisting of apatite, the nanovesicles can enter eukaryotic cells. Depending on the host's stress level, nanobacteria may carry a substantial layer of a protein based slime, instrumental in collecting calcium phosphate from the environment. Calcium phosphate is known to mediate the uptake of nucleic acids by eukaryotic cells. Surprisingly, a pathogenic effect of nanobacteria in HIV can be derived primarily from the trafficking of calcium phosphate in HIV infected cells, performed by primordial proteins. The inescapable conclusion is that nanobacteria could promote genetic diversity in HIV.