Microbial Monitoring and the Risk of Infectious Disease Aboard the International Space StationThe International Space Station (ISS) is a semi-closed habitat in low Earth orbit with environmental conditions provided by an advanced life support system that controls temperature and recycles air and most of the potable water. The crew's activities, such as eating, sleeping, hygiene, and laboratory research, are performed in relatively close proximity. Research in the laboratory includes a myriad of experiments, including those with rodents, plants, and pathogenic microorganisms. Despite these conditions, in-flight monitoring of ISS indicates that the microbial diversity is similar to homes on earth. Accordingly, the crew is generally very healthy, however infectious disease does occur and potential routes of infection by obligate and opportunistic pathogens cannot be completely prevented. Determining the extent of this risk is further complicated, as microorganisms can alter their characteristics in response to spaceflight culture, as exemplified by the increase in virulence of the enteric pathogen Salmonella enterica Typhimurium during spaceflight compared to otherwise identical cultures grown on Earth. Taken together, these factors suggest a need for continued microbiological monitoring and research to understand and mitigate the risk of infectious disease during long duration missions.
Document ID
20180006144
Acquisition Source
Johnson Space Center
Document Type
Presentation
Authors
Ott, C. Mark (NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Date Acquired
October 9, 2018
Publication Date
July 15, 2018
Subject Category
Life Sciences (General)
Report/Patent Number
JSC-E-DAA-TN58401
Meeting Information
Meeting: Gordon Research Conference on the Microbiology of the Built Environment