Deadly bacteria show thirst for human blood

Some of the world's deadliest bacteria seek out and feed on human blood, a newly-discovered phenomenon researchers are calling 'bacterial vampirism.' Researchers have found the bacteria are attracted to the liquid part of blood, or serum, which contains nutrients the bacteria can use as food. One of the chemicals the bacteria seemed particularly drawn to was serine, an amino acid found in human blood that is also a common ingredient in protein drinks. The research finding, published in the journal eLife, provides new insights into how bloodstream infections occur and could potentially be treated.

Some of the world's deadliest bacteria seek out and feed on human blood, a newly-discovered phenomenon researchers are calling 'bacterial vampirism.' Researchers have found the bacteria are attracted to the liquid part of blood, or serum, which contains nutrients the bacteria can use as food. One of the chemicals the bacteria seemed particularly drawn to was serine, an amino acid found in human blood that is also a common ingredient in protein drinks. The research finding, published in the journal eLife, provides new insights into how bloodstream infections occur and could potentially be treated.

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