RIVANSHI RAKHRAI
Researchers at Washington State University have discovered that some of the world's deadliest bacteria are drawn to and thrive on human blood.
The phenomenon, termed 'bacterial vampirism,' has been observed in bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli, which are known to cause foodborne illnesses.
These bacteria are attracted to the liquid part of blood because it contains essential nutrients they use for sustenance.
Researchers noted that these pathogens can easily access serum and enter the bloodstream by breaching the digestive system.
Experts warn that even the smallest amount of blood can attract these 'vampire' bacteria, increasing the risk of sepsis and inflammatory bowel disease.
Salmonella, found in raw eggs, has a protein receptor called Tsr that helps these bacteria detect and move towards serum.
This discovery could lead to the development of new drugs aimed at preventing sepsis before it occurs.