Nanobacteria Controversy

Nanobacteria are considered by some to be the smallest know bacterium. They are far smaller than typical bacteria and they have been linked to hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), coronary artery disease, kidney stones, Parkinson’s disease, ovarian cancer, and chronic prostatitis with calcifications.

Nanobacteria may be a co-infectious agent in people with HIV (Human Immune Virus).

However, some researchers don’t believe that nanobacteria exist and others don’t believe that they are really a life form, while others think that nanobacteria are really some sort of crystal.

Nanobacteria were discovered by Olavi Kajander, M.D., Ph.D. in 1988. Nanobacteria are so small that while typical bacteria can be seen under a light microscope, nanobacteria can only be seen under an electron microscope. The actual size of nanobacteria is between 20 to 200 nanometers, making them similar in size to viruses.

Nanobacteria research is really just beginning. It’s expected that studies will be done for associations between nanobacteria and other diseases as research funding and time permits. It will certainly be fascinating to follow the research and see where it leads.

Copyright © 2005 Bradley Hennenfent, M.D.