Medical Astro-Microbiology: Current Role and Future Challenges

Area of Science:

• Space Medicine
• Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Space technology advancements enable long-term human presence beyond Earth.
• Infection prevention and control are critical for mission success.
• Medical astro-microbiology is an emerging field addressing spaceflight-related health risks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current knowledge on infection risks during spaceflight.
• To examine microbial adaptability under space conditions.
• To identify knowledge gaps in medical astro-microbiology.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on host susceptibility, microbiome alterations, and microbial exposure in space.
• Analysis of the effects of spaceflight stressors on viruses, bacteria, and fungi.
• Consideration of risks associated with microbial re-introduction to Earth and celestial body habitation.

Main Results:

• Spaceflight alters host susceptibility and microbiomes, increasing infection risks.
• Viruses, bacteria, and fungi exhibit adaptability in space, with implications for virulence and drug resistance.
• The International Space Station (ISS) serves as a key research platform.

Conclusions:

• Medical astro-microbiology is vital for safeguarding astronaut health.
• Further research is needed to address significant knowledge gaps in microbial risks for long-duration spaceflight and extraterrestrial habitation.
• Understanding microbial behavior in space is essential for future multiplanetary endeavors.