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Latent Herpes Viral Reactivation in AstronautsLatent viruses are ubiquitous and reactivate during stressful periods with and without symptoms. Latent herpes virus reactivation is used as a tool to predict changes in the immune status in astronauts and to evaluate associated health risks. Methods: Viral DNA was detected by real time polymerase chain reaction in saliva and urine from astronauts before, during and after short and long-duration space flights. Results and Discussion: EpsteinBarr virus (EBV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and varicella zoster virus (VZV) reactivated, and viral DNA was shed in saliva (EBV and VZV) or urine (CMV). EBV levels in saliva during flight were 10fold higher than baseline levels. Elevations in EBV specific CD8+ T-cells, viral antibody titers, and specific cytokines were consistent with viral reactivation. Intracellular levels of cytokines were reduced in EBVspecific Tcells. CMV, rarely present in urine of healthy individuals, was shed in urine of 27% of astronauts during all phases of spaceflight. VZV, not found in saliva of asymptomatic individuals, was found in saliva of 50% of astronauts during spaceflight and 35 days after flight. VZV recovered from astronaut saliva was found to be live, infectious virus. DNA sequencing demonstrated that the VZV recovered from astronauts was from the common European strain of VZV. Elevation of stress hormones accompanied viral reactivation indicating involvement of the hypothalmic-pituitary-adrenal and sympathetic adrenal-medullary axes in the mechanism of viral reactivation in astronauts. A study of 53 shingles patients found that all shingles patients shed VZV DNA in their saliva and the VZV levels correlated with the severity of the disease. Lower VZV levels in shingles patients were similar to those observed in astronauts. We proposed a rapid, simple, and cost-effective assay to detect VZV in saliva of patients with suspected shingles. Early detection of VZV infection allows early medical intervention.
Document ID
20080046166
Acquisition Source
Johnson Space Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Pierson, D. L.
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Mehta, S. K.
(Enterprise Advisory Services, Inc. Houston, TX, United States)
Stowe, R.
(Microgen, LLC La Marque, TX, United States)
Date Acquired
August 24, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2008
Subject Category
Life Sciences (General)
Meeting Information
Meeting: 80th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Aerospace Medical Association (ASMA)
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Country: United States
Start Date: May 3, 2009
End Date: May 7, 2009
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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