Hot Springs and Thermophilic Bacteria

The hot springs of India have not been extensively studied, yet they hold significant potential due to the presence of thermophilic bacteria. These organisms, known as thermophiles or "heat lovers," thrive in high-temperature environments ranging from 45° to 70° C, temperatures that could cause third-degree burns to human skin.

Thermophiles and Antibiotic Production

• Thermophiles inhabit environments like hot springs, deep-sea thermal vents, and compost piles, which are rich in minerals and have limited competition.
• These bacteria produce antibiotics to outcompete other microorganisms.
• Hot springs worldwide are considered potential sources of new antibiotic-producing bacteria.
• Research in Saudi Arabian hot springs has revealed thermophiles that produce antibiotics effective against gram-positive pathogenic bacteria.

The Study at Rajgir Hot Spring

A study conducted by researchers at Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) focused on the Rajgir hot spring lake in Bihar, India. The research aimed to identify microorganisms with potential antibiotic properties.

• The temperature of the Rajgir hot spring reaches up to 45° C, making sample collection challenging.
• Researchers employed 16S rRNA metagenomics to identify microbial species in the samples.
• The study identified a significant presence of Actinobacteria, known for producing antimicrobial compounds.
• Actinobacteria constituted 40-43% of the microbial diversity in the Rajgir hot spring.

Antimicrobial Resistance and Novel Discoveries

With the rise of antimicrobial resistance, discovering new antibiotics is crucial. The World Health Organisation predicts a $1 trillion increase in healthcare costs worldwide due to this issue by 2050.

• The VIT researchers identified seven strains of Actinobacteria with potent antimicrobial properties against various pathogens.
• An antibacterial compound, diethyl phthalate, was isolated from Actinomycetales bacterium spp. using gas chromatography mass spectrometry.
• This compound showed effectiveness against Listeria monocytogenes, which causes listeriosis, a severe foodborne infection.

Broader Applications of Thermophiles

Thermophiles have various industrial and agricultural applications beyond antibiotic production.

• The PCR test, crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic, relies on an enzyme from the thermophile Thermus aquaticus.
• A 2018 study highlighted the potential of hot spring bacteria to promote plant growth, beneficial for industrial and agricultural uses.