Terrifying newly-discovered ‘cannibal parasite’ could be lurking in YOUR mouth
Scientists say unnerving organism plays a role in causing disease and has evaded detection for decades
Scientists have detected a bizarre and creepy form of cannibal bacteria which could be lurking in billions of humans' mouths.
The tiny organism is called Bdellovibrio and is a highly unusual parasite which lives on the surface of a species of bacteria that's known to cause gum disease.
This bizarre bug appears to feast off the host bacteria, somehow making them more harmful to humans in the process.
The tiny microbe can also kill by "poking holes" in its victim's surface until the unfortunate organism goes pop and its contents ooze out.
The "ultra-small" bug has left scientists baffled.
"We’re trying to decipher what’s going on," said , who discovered the cannibal bugs.
The minuscule microbes are thought to be the first bug known to parasitically rely on other bacteria.
It has just 700 genes, which means it is an astonishingly simple creature. It cannot make amino acids, the "building blocks" of life, and has to suck them out of its host.
Swarms of the tiny cannibals live on the surface of a type of bacteria called Actinomyces, which can tolerate the attack up to a certain point.
“Later, they start attacking and killing the host,” McLean added.
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Previous research has linked Actinomyces to gum disease. McLean believes the cannibal parasite can make this bacteria stronger by allowing to fight off or evade the body's protective white blood cells and resist antibiotics.
People with cystic fibrosis appear to have high levels of Bdellovibrio in their mouths and it could be linked to other diseases and conditions.
Understanding this mysterious cannibal bacteria could play a key role in helping humanity tackle the threat of super-bugs, which cause deadly infections and cannot be treated with traditional antibiotics.
These terrifying bugs pose a major threat, as they could turn minor surgery into a life or death gamble.
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