There are Thermophilic Microorganisms found at much higher temperatures, deep under ground (see the link attached)
http://deepcarbon.net/feature/deep-life-community-call-proposals#.UsA3FfvHCaP
It is a similar concern as we question the GMO effect in time upon public health. We know what we know but we do not know it all until it hits us.
Does the thermophilic bacteria (from deep ground) present any possible danger to public health by its possible adaptation to above ground ( or almost above ground, such as water-table) environmental conditions?
For more insight and better understanding of the above question, please observe here the abstract from an article (I am not the author of it but it offers a better understanding of the question) : “Thermophilic Bacteria: a New Cause of Human Disease”
Abstract: “The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Division of Bacterial Diseases receives for identification and classification isolates from reference laboratories throughout the United States. Since 1961, the Special Bacterial Pathogens Laboratory has received 31 bacterial strains which have remained unidentified but which have been noted to have the ability to grow at 50°C. As no known pathogens grow at this temperature, we questioned whether these "thermophilic" bacteria could cause human disease.”, Published in: JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY, Apr. 1985, p. 553-557, Copyright © 1985, American Society for Microbiology.
Again, I have to mention, I am not the author of the above article but it offers a better understanding of the question.
Do we have any conclusive data, reference on such adaptations especially on microorganisms originating from DEEP GROUND such as 500 meters, 5000 meters or even more below earth’s surface? Additional questions and answers may help build a constructive dialog on the issue described above. Any possible treat from such organisms upon human health?
PS) Please do not forget to vote member's comments / posts / participation. This encourages other RG members to participate as well.
Thank you,
Adrian Toader-Williams, PhD
http://deepcarbon.net/feature/deep-life-community-call-proposals#.UsA3FfvHCaP
Questions that could be asked;
How these strains cause disease?
There is no conclusive data that these strains cause human diseases.
I do not believe you have sufficient data to merit investigations to into the strains' role in the pathophysiology of various diseases; the human colon is the most dense microorganism environment on the planet. These strains could easily be non pathogenic and provide favorable benefits to the host.
Thank you for your answer/contribution Dr. Mannen. You have a good point but:
The question refers to ADAPTATION of the thermophilic Bacteria, Thermophilic Microorganisms (bacteria, fungi) found at much higher temperatures, deep under ground.
If we do NOT INVESTIGATE we will never know :-) .
Still, perhaps such investigations will offer a better understanding not only on pathology but evolution of Life and furthermore the relationship between DEEP UNDERGROUND LIFE and relative SURFACE.
@Adrian, from an evolutionary perspective, your study has merit. Determining evolutionary limits of microorganisms found deep underground could have implications for understanding surface dwelling bacteria; particular for understanding many of the harash selection factors associated with life's early struggle on earth. This could also have impacts in understanding of the earth's carbon cycle; very salient topic considering the onsets of global warming.
Still, from a pathology perspective, it will be difficult to fund.
Again, I have to mention, I am not the author of the above article but it offers a better understanding of the question.
I submitted the question referring to adaptation of microorganisms originating from DEEP GROUND such as 500 meters, 5000 meters or even more below earth’s surface.
It is a similar concern as we question the GMO effect in time upon public health. We know what we know but we do not know it all until it hits us.
Does the thermophilic bacteria (from deep ground) presents any possible danger to public health by its possible adaptation to above ground ( or almost above ground, such as water-table ) environmental conditions?
Not a chance.
The paper you referenced talks about bacteria from clinical samples that happen to also grow at 50C. But they're adapted to live at mesophilic temperatures, and in the context of a human host.
Subsurface extremophiles are adapted to an environment that is highly specialized, and that is unlike anything they're likely to encounter on or in the human body. If you adapt one of these to body temperature, I guess it's always possible they might cause a problem with severly immunocompromised individuals. But they'd stand no chance competing with (or defending themselves against!) the native microbiome, or dealing with a healthy human immune system.
It'd be like taking an individual from an isolated desert or rainforest tribe, giving them a warm coat, and expecting them to thrive in New York City. Might make for an entertaining Hollywood movie, but in reality it's not going to happen...
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