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Changes in the fungal autoflora of Apollo astronauts
Abstract:
Specimens were repeatedly obtained for mycological examination from the skin, throat, urine, and feces of the six astronauts who conducted the Apollo 14 and Apollo 15 lunar exploration missions. Analysis of preflight data demonstrates that the process of severely restricting opportunities from colonization for 3 weeks before flight resulted in a 50% reduction in the number of isolated species. Postflight data indicate that exposure to the space flight environment for up to 2 weeks resulted in an even greater reduction with a relative increase in the potential pathogen Candida albicans. No incidences of microbial shock were observed when crewmembers were quarantined for 16 days after completion of the space flight. Intercrew transfer of particular species could not be demonstrated because most species were not consistently recovered.
Insights
Pre-flight microbial restriction reduced astronaut species by 50%. Spaceflight further decreased microbial diversity, increasing the pathogen Candida albicans, but no microbial shock occurred post-flight.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Space Medicine
- Astrobiology
Background:
- Understanding microbial changes in astronauts is crucial for long-duration space missions.
- Previous studies have explored microbial shedding and colonization in spaceflight environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of spaceflight on astronaut microbial communities.
- To assess potential risks associated with microbial shifts during and after lunar missions.
Main Methods:
- Collected mycological specimens from skin, throat, urine, and feces of astronauts from Apollo 14 and 15 missions.
- Analyzed pre-flight, in-flight (implied), and post-flight microbial data.
- Monitored crewmembers during a 16-day post-flight quarantine period.
Main Results:
- Pre-flight restriction reduced microbial species by 50%.
- Spaceflight exposure led to a greater reduction in microbial diversity.
- A relative increase in Candida albicans was observed post-flight.
- No microbial shock occurred during post-flight quarantine.
Conclusions:
- Pre-flight microbial management can reduce astronaut microbial load.
- The spaceflight environment significantly alters astronaut microbiome composition.
- Candida albicans may pose an increased risk in astronauts post-flight.