"Deadly 'Vampire' Bacteria: Thirst for Human Blood"
Scientists have discovered that certain bacteria, including Salmonella and E. coli, are attracted to human blood due to the presence of the amino acid L-serine, a phenomenon they've dubbed "bacterial vampirism." These bacteria, commonly found in the human gut, can cause life-threatening bloodstream infections, particularly in individuals with compromised intestinal immune defenses. Understanding this attraction could lead to the development of new treatments to prevent deadly bloodstream infections.