This content is not included in
your SAE MOBILUS subscription, or you are not logged in.
Preflight and Postflight Microbiological Results from 25 Space Shuttle Crews
Annotation ability available
Sector:
Language:
English
Abstract
Clinical-microbiological investigations are an important aspect of the crew health stabilization program. To ensure that space crews have neither active nor latent infections, clinical specimens, including throat and nasal swabs and urine samples, are collected at 10 days (L-10) and 2 days (L-2) before launch, and immediately after landing (L+0). All samples are examined for the presence of bacteria and fungi. In addition, fecal samples are collected at L-10 and examined for bacteria, fungi and parasites. This paper describes clinical-microbiological findings from 144 astronauts participating in 25 Space Shuttle missions spanning STS-26 to STS-50. The spectrum of microbiological findings from the specimens included 25 bacterial and 11 fungal species. Among the bacteria isolated most frequently were Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacter aerogenes, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis and Streptococcus agalactiae. Candida albicans was the most frequently isolated fungal pathogen.
Recommended Content
Authors
Citation
Pierson, D., Bassinger, V., Molina, T., Gunter, E. et al., "Preflight and Postflight Microbiological Results from 25 Space Shuttle Crews," SAE Technical Paper 932139, 1993, https://doi.org/10.4271/932139.Also In
References
- Beisel, W.R. Talbot, J.M. 1987 The effect of space flight on immunocompetence Immunology Today 8 197 200
- Leach, C.S. Rambaut, P.C. 1977 Biochemical responses of the Skylab crewmen: An overview Biomedical Results from Skylab Johnston R.S. Dietlein L.F. 204 216 National Aeronautics and Space Administration Washington, D.C.
- Mishra, S.K. Pierson, D.L. 1992 Space flight, effects on microorganisms Encyclopedia of Microbiology Lederberg J. 4 53 60 Academic Press San Diego
- Nicogossian, A.E. Sawin, C.F. Huntoon, C.L. 1993 Overall physiological response to space flight Space Physiology and Medicine third Nicogosssian A.E. Huntoon, C.L. Pool, S.L. Lea and Febiger Philadelphia