Microbiological problems of manned space flight.
The hazard of infectious disease in long-duration manned space flight is discussed in relation to the unique conditions of spacecraft environment. Confinement in a small, enclosed volume, special problems of waste disposal and personal hygiene, zero gravity, and high oxygen content present special features that favor transmission of micro-organisms. Alterations in microbial flora will occur and these will influence host defenses against disease. Genetic variants of micro-organisms could be induced by and selected under the unique conditions of space flight. A reduction in the variety of microbial flora could result in "microbial shock" on re-entry. The influence of environmental conditions of the spacecraft on host defenses against infection is unpredictable in the absence of investigative work. However, pre-flight assessment of immune status is recommended. A graduated pre-flight isolation period is highly recommended to permit exchange of flora, to protect astronauts from new agents, and to allow most infections to emerge.
Spizizen
J
J
Department of Microbiology, Scripps Clinic and Research Foundation, La Jolla, Calif., USA.
D000337:Aerospace Medicine; D020378:Confined Spaces; D004783:Environmental Microbiology; D005759:Gastroenteritis / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control; D011790:Quarantine; D012141:Respiratory Tract Infections / Q000517:prevention & control; D012475:Salmonella / Q000302:isolation & purification; D013026:Space Flight; D013210:Staphylococcus / Q000302:isolation & purification; D014893:Weightlessness