An investigation has concluded that the beaches of South Florida, USA are overrun by a “perfect pathogenic storm” of carnivorous bacteria. Let’s try to translate this.
Of course, no one can see these “attackers” with the naked eye. The work of a group of specialists from the Florida Atlantic University (FAU) showed that it’s happening because a bacterium called Vibrio it becomes entangled in plastic marine debris and a brown algae known as sargasso.
Seaweed is accumulating on beaches like never before, says the study, which also contemplates the possibility that algae, plastics and bacteria are creating “a previously undescribed group of microbes, some of which represent potential new species.”
“Our laboratory work has shown that these Vibrios are extremely aggressive and can seek out and adhere to plastic within minutes. We also found that there are binding factors that microbes use to adhere to plastic, and it’s the same type of mechanism that pathogens use,” said the lead author. Tracy Mincer.
For Mincer, no one currently considers these microbes “and their ability to cause infection.”
Vibrio is described by FAU as “the leading cause of death in humans in the marine environment”.
Vibrio infections (they are much worse when transmitted via food or open wounds) have seen an increase in area in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. In Lee County, for example, the problem was serious: eight of the 28 infected people died.
leaky gut syndrome
“Another interesting thing we discovered is a set of genes called ‘zot’ genes, which cause the leaky gut syndrome“The meat grinder is advancing.
He explains: “For example, if a fish eats a piece of plastic and becomes infected with this Vibrio, which causes leaky gut and diarrhea, it will release waste nutrients like nitrogen and phosphate that could stimulate the growth of sargassum and other organisms.” .
According to medical news site Medical News Today, in humans, leaky gut syndrome is a digestive condition that affects the lining of the intestines. When you have it, gaps in the intestinal walls allow bacteria and other toxins to pass into your bloodstream.
They ask for caution
To avoid infection, FAU researchers simply recommend caution when walking along Florida’s beaches and coastlines.
“We really want to make the public aware of these associated risks,” Mincer says.
“In particular, caution should be exercised regarding the harvesting and processing of sargasso biomass until the risks are further explored,” he adds.
Source: Clarin
Mary Ortiz is a seasoned journalist with a passion for world events. As a writer for News Rebeat, she brings a fresh perspective to the latest global happenings and provides in-depth coverage that offers a deeper understanding of the world around us.