[Intestinal microflora makeup of astronauts before and after space flights]

The composition of the intestinal microflora of 12 cosmonauts was studied before and after space missions of varying duration. Changes in the intestinal microbial coenosis were found prelaunch. The pattern of changes did not vary with an increase in space flight duration. The use of special prophylactic measures exerted a positive effect on intestinal microecology. Bifidobacteria and lactobacilli showed the greatest changes inflight. Therefore, it seems important to arrange preflight sanation of the intestinal microflora as a prophylactic method.