The adaptable microbe

Mike’s post on the “Getting to Zero” movement ended with a reference to the race between humankind and the formidable microbe.  For a vivid example of the adaptability, and survivability, of microorganisms, read this new Science paper describing a microbial ecosystem that has survived for over a million years beneath the glacial ice of Antarctica.  The organisms have adapted to this harsh environment by deriving energy from sulfur and iron.  

None of the organisms detected in this study appear to be human pathogens, but if I were treating an infection acquired after submersion in a glacial pool beneath the Antarctic ice cap, I might include coverage for Desulfobulbus and Thiobacillus….