Nanobacteria possible culprit in kidney stone formation

AORN Journal,  May, 2005  

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Scientists at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) have identified nanobacteria, a self-replicating, mineralizing agent, as a potential cause of rapid kidney stone formation among astronauts who travel in space, according to a Feb 14, 2005, news release from Blackwell Publishing, Malden, Mass, publishers of Kidney International Trials to examine nanobacteria were conducted at NASA in a bioreactor chamber that simulates the microgravity environment of space travel Under these conditions, nanobacteria were found to multiply five times faster than under normal gravity conditions. This finding supports earlier discoveries that microbes behave differently in weightless environments. Nanobacteria also was shown to be a possible infectious risk for crew members Living in close quarters.

Nanobacteria was discovered in the 1990s and has been found in the calcium phosphate cores of kidney stones. It also has been detected in other conditions, including Alzheimer's disease, heart disease, prostatitis, and some cancers. With the potential for Longer exploratory space missions and longer exposure to the elements of outer space, health is a major concern for astronauts. Further testing for the presence of nanobacteria in human bodies can help reduce the risk for kidney stone formation in astronauts and also would benefit nearly one million Americans who are treated for kidney stones each year, according to the release.

Infectious Microorganism Linked to Kidney Stones and Other Diseases (news release, Malden, Mass: Blackwell Publishing, Feb 14, 2005).

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