Research Reveals Bacteria With Deadly Attraction to Human Blood

Scientists discover certain bacteria are chemically drawn to blood serum, potentially leading to fatal infections.

New research identifies bacteria that chemically sense and move toward human blood serum as a nutrient source.
Strains of E. coli, Salmonella, and Citrobacter koseri are highlighted as particularly dangerous due to their ability to cause bloodstream infections.
The phenomenon, termed 'bacterial vampirism,' could lead to sepsis, especially in individuals with inflammatory bowel diseases.
Researchers from Washington State University suggest that future treatments could block bacteria's ability to detect blood, improving outcomes for high-risk patients.
The study, published in the journal eLife, offers hope for new strategies to prevent deadly infections in vulnerable populations.