PULLMAN, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Some of us fear germs like bacteria and viruses, while others among us fear mythical creatures like vampires.

Now there is something new to fear: bacterial vampirism.

Researchers at Washington State University recently discovered that certain bacteria are attracted to serum, the liquid part of blood that contains nutrients bacteria feed on.

“Bacteria infecting the bloodstream can be lethal,” said Arden Baylink, a professor at WSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine. “We learned some of the bacteria that most commonly cause bloodstream infections actually sense a chemical in human blood and swim toward it.”

They have an especially insatiable thirst for amino acids because they are a good source of protein.

The three types of bacteria that are attracted to human blood are Salmonella enterica, Escherichia coli and Citrobacter koseri.

Together they are the leading cause of death among people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), who often suffer from intestinal bleeding.

“By learning how these bacteria are able to detect sources of blood, in the future we could develop new drugs to block this ability,” said WSU researcher Siena Glenn. “These medicines could improve the lives and health of people with IBD who are at high risk for bloodstream infections.”

The study was funded by WSU and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.