Newly Discovered Bacteria Infects Lungs

Nebraska physicians have discovered the cause of a series of mysterious lung infections is a previously unknown bacteria they named Nebraskense.

After four cancer patients in five years contracted the same life-threatening lung infection, doctors at the Nebraska Medical Center in Lincoln began searching for a cause. Using molecular diagnostics, which looks at the DNA or RNA of the pathogen, they identified the previously unknown organism.

This may not be equivalent to discovering a new planet, but for biologists, it’s very exciting, said Dr. Steven Hinrichs, director of The Nebraska Medical Center microbiology and virology laboratories. This bacterium wasn’t just created. It’s just that it hasn’t been recognized before. It’s probably been around for a long time, he said.

The team is patenting a molecular test for the bacterium and are looking for ways to test patients directly. They are also researching tests to determine resistance of bacteria to certain drugs.