Any evidence bacteria can exist within mitochondria in humans?

In summary, a quick search on Google and PubMed suggests that there is limited evidence to support the claim that bacteria can exist within human mitochondria. While it has been found in ticks, there is no conclusive evidence that this also occurs in humans. The source of the claim is also considered dubious.
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Ryan_m_b said:
A quick pubmed search suggests this has only been found in ticks: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/17082386/

nih.gov/m/pubmed/17082386 said:
... An intracellular bacterium with the unique ability to enter mitochondria exists in the European vector of Lyme disease, the hard tick Ixodes ricinus.
Thanks Ryan. According to my one hit on Google the tick is not a "unique" case :

the other species mentioned was "spirostomium minus", a single-celled thingy. [ published in 2003 ].

The claim I heard was pathogenic bacteria exist in human mitochondria, (not symbiotic as in the tick) , and that these alleged bacteria are responsible for wide range of diseases.
IMO the source of this claim was very dubious , but I just wanted to check if there was any evidence to support their claim.
 
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1. Can bacteria actually exist inside mitochondria in humans?

Yes, there is evidence that bacteria can exist within mitochondria in humans. Mitochondria are organelles found in eukaryotic cells that are responsible for producing energy. It was previously believed that mitochondria were completely separate from bacteria, but recent studies have shown that they have a shared evolutionary history and some bacteria have been found living inside mitochondria in humans.

2. How does bacteria get inside mitochondria in humans?

Bacteria can enter mitochondria in humans through a process called endosymbiosis. This is when one organism lives inside another, forming a symbiotic relationship. It is believed that bacteria were engulfed by early eukaryotic cells and over time, evolved to become mitochondria.

3. What types of bacteria can be found in mitochondria in humans?

There are several types of bacteria that have been found inside mitochondria in humans, including Rickettsia, Mycobacterium, and Chlamydia. These bacteria are known to cause diseases such as typhus, tuberculosis, and pneumonia, respectively.

4. How does the presence of bacteria in mitochondria affect human health?

The presence of bacteria in mitochondria can have both positive and negative effects on human health. Some bacteria, such as Rickettsia, are known to cause diseases, while others may provide benefits to the host cell by aiding in energy production or immune system functioning. However, more research is needed to fully understand the impact of bacteria in mitochondria on human health.

5. Is there a way to prevent bacteria from entering mitochondria in humans?

Currently, there is no known way to prevent bacteria from entering mitochondria in humans. However, the immune system plays a crucial role in controlling the presence of bacteria in the body and can help to prevent infections. Additionally, maintaining good hygiene and avoiding exposure to bacteria can also help to reduce the risk of bacterial infections.

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