Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery at a London hospital, uncovering a never-before-seen species of bacteria in a patient’s heart. The patient, a shepherd from Canterbury, was admitted to St Thomas Hospital with a fever, leading to the revelation of this mysterious bacterium.

Medics initially detected two different types of bacteria causing the infection, but were unable to identify the second strain using conventional laboratory tests. To solve this mystery, researchers turned to innovative technology known as the nanopore sequencer, which allowed them to swiftly unravel the DNA sequence of the elusive bacteria.

The results, published in the International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology, unveiled a novel strain of bacteria called Variovorax, typically found in soil. This new species was discovered in the patient’s aorta, the body’s largest artery responsible for circulating oxygen-rich blood throughout the body.

Further investigation suggested that the patient may have contracted the bacteria during the lambing season or through contact with sheep while administering anti-parasite medications without wearing gloves. The shepherd, responsible for tending to 1500 sheep, had also developed chronic dermatitis during lambing season, potentially serving as a point of entry for environmental pathogens.

As a result of this extraordinary discovery, the researchers named the newly identified bacteria Variovorax durovernensis, with ‘durovernensis’ being the Latin name for Canterbury. This finding sheds light on the potential health risks associated with close contact with livestock and emphasizes the importance of infection control measures in such environments.

This groundbreaking research serves as a testament to the power of innovative technology in uncovering previously unknown microbial threats, ultimately contributing to advancements in infection control and public health.