Would extraterrestrial bacteria be dangerous to us?

[Dremmer]

Would extraterrestrial bacteria be dangerous to us if we physically came in contact with such?

 

[mfb]

There was some discussion about it in this thread.

 

[jim mcnamara]

There is no good answer to this question. I'm sure people will say things - almost anything anyone can say is pure opinion.

If you stipulated a bunch of conditions the foreign bacteria had to meet then it would be more fun. IMO: It is probably true that they would have to have a lot in common with extant Earth life in order to be able to function in any way either helpful or deleterious.

What we really need is exobacteria that eat air pollutants and synthesize gasoline as a by product... preferably exuded into ready-to-use tanks.

 

[pumila]

In terms of extraterrestrial bacteria evolved to be diseases of higher organisms, they are unlikely to be effective against Earth life.

Bacteria evolved to live on specific substrates might not find a usable food.

Even a bacteria that uses a specific toxin to kill its host might not be able to replicate enough in an Earth host to create a useful amount of toxin.

Essentially, a bacterium evolved away from the Earth would likely struggle to survive on earth.

 

[LudusRex]

I would say that the potential danger of extraterrestrial bacteria depends on a variety of factors. First, we would need to consider the origin and evolution of the bacteria. If they have evolved in a similar environment to Earth and have similar genetic makeup, they may pose a lower risk of harm to humans. However, if they have evolved in a drastically different environment with unique genetic characteristics, they may pose a higher risk.

Additionally, the potential for harm would also depend on the level of exposure to the bacteria. If we were to come into direct contact with the bacteria, there is a possibility that they could cause harm to our bodies. However, if the bacteria were only present in small amounts or in a controlled environment, the risk of harm would be reduced.

It is also important to consider our own immune systems and their ability to defend against foreign bacteria. If the extraterrestrial bacteria were able to adapt and infect our bodies, it could potentially cause harm. However, if our immune systems are strong and able to recognize and fight off the bacteria, the risk of harm would be minimized.

Overall, the potential danger of extraterrestrial bacteria is not something that can be definitively determined without further research and understanding of the specific bacteria in question. As scientists, it is our responsibility to continue studying and learning about these potential risks in order to better prepare for any potential encounters with extraterrestrial life.