The Results of Microbiological Research of Environmental Microflora of Orbital Station Mir

Novikova, Natalia; Polikarpov, N.; Poddubko, S. V.; Deshevaya, Elena

doi:10.4271/2001-01-2310

Cited by 12 publications

(5 citation statements)

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“…So-called technophilic microorganisms, in particular fungi, are able to corrode alloys and polymers used in spacecraft assembly ( Alekhova et al, 2005 ). These technophilic microorganisms caused major problems on the former Russian space station Mir ( Novikova et al, 2001 ; Novikova, 2004 ).…”

Section: Iss and Human Longterm Space Travel (Mars And Beyond)mentioning

confidence: 99%

Microorganisms in Confined Habitats: Microbial Monitoring and Control of Intensive Care Units, Operating Rooms, Cleanrooms and the International Space Station

et al. 2016

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Indoor environments, where people spend most of their time, are characterized by a specific microbial community, the indoor microbiome. Most indoor environments are connected to the natural environment by high ventilation, but some habitats are more confined: intensive care units, operating rooms, cleanrooms and the international space station (ISS) are extraordinary living and working areas for humans, with a limited exchange with the environment. The purposes for confinement are different: a patient has to be protected from infections (intensive care unit, operating room), product quality has to be assured (cleanrooms), or confinement is necessary due to extreme, health-threatening outer conditions, as on the ISS. The ISS represents the most secluded man-made habitat, constantly inhabited by humans since November 2000 – and, inevitably, also by microorganisms. All of these man-made confined habitats need to be microbiologically monitored and controlled, by e.g., microbial cleaning and disinfection. However, these measures apply constant selective pressures, which support microbes with resistance capacities against antibiotics or chemical and physical stresses and thus facilitate the rise of survival specialists and multi-resistant strains. In this article, we summarize the available data on the microbiome of aforementioned confined habitats. By comparing the different operating, maintenance and monitoring procedures as well as microbial communities therein, we emphasize the importance to properly understand the effects of confinement on the microbial diversity, the possible risks represented by some of these microorganisms and by the evolution of (antibiotic) resistances in such environments – and the need to reassess the current hygiene standards.

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Section: Iss and Human Longterm Space Travel (Mars And Beyond)mentioning

confidence: 99%

Microorganisms in Confined Habitats: Microbial Monitoring and Control of Intensive Care Units, Operating Rooms, Cleanrooms and the International Space Station

et al. 2016

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“…Additionally, some microorganisms might even pose a risk to the material integrity of a spacecraft: So-called technophilic microorganisms, in particular fungi, are able to corrode alloys and polymers used in spacecraft assembly (6). Technophilic microorganisms caused major problems on the former Russian space station Mir (7,8).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The International Space Station selects for microorganisms adapted to the extreme environment, but does not induce genomic and physiological changes relevant for human health

Mora

Wink

et al. 2019

Preprint

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The International Space Station (ISS) is a unique, completely confined habitat for the human crew and co-inhabiting microorganisms. Here, we report on the results of the ISS experiment “EXTREMOPHILES”. We aimed to exploit the microbial information obtained from three surface and air sampling events aboard the International Space Station during increments 51 and 52 (2017) with respect to: i) microbial sources, diversity and distribution within the ISS, ii) functional capacity of microbiome and microbial isolates, iii) extremotolerance and antibiotics-resistance (compared to ground controls), and iv) microbial behavior towards ISS-relevant materials such as biofilm formation, or potential for degradation. We used wipe samples and analyzed them by amplicon and metagenomics sequencing, cultivation, comparative physiological studies, antibiotic resistance tests, genome analysis of isolates and co-incubation experiments with ISS-relevant materials. The major findings were: i) the ISS microbiome profile is highly similar to ground-based confined indoor environments, ii) the ISS microbiome is subject to fluctuations and indicative for the (functional) location, although a core microbiome was present over time and independent from location, iii) the ISS selects for microorganisms adapted to the extreme environment, but does not necessarily induce genomic and physiological changes which might be relevant for human health, iv) cleanrooms and cargo seems to be a minor source of microbial contamination aboard, and v) microorganisms can attach to and grow on ISS-relevant materials. Biofilm formation might be a threat for spacecraft materials with the potential to induce instrument malfunctioning with consequences for mission success. We conclude that our data do not raise direct reason for concern with respect to crew health, but indicate a potential threat towards biofilm formation and material integrity in moist areas.

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“…Can we identify a selection pressure for microorganisms and/or whole microbiomes in space to a specific (possibly more virulent) situation? Indications for increased biofilm formation and adaptations with respect to surface attachment were frequently reported [59,68].…”

Section: Analysis Of Space Effects On the Microbiomementioning

confidence: 99%

The crewed journey to Mars and its implications for the human microbiome

et al. 2022

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A human spaceflight to Mars is scheduled for the next decade. In preparation for this unmatched endeavor, a plethora of challenges must be faced prior to the actual journey to Mars. Mission success will depend on the health of its crew and its working capacity. Hence, the journey to Mars will also depend on the microbiome and its far-reaching effects on individual crew health, the spaceship’s integrity, and food supply. As human beings rely on their microbiome, these microbes are essential and should be managed to ensure their beneficial effects outweigh potential risks. In this commentary, we focus on the current state of knowledge regarding a healthy (gut) microbiome of space travelers based on research from the International Space Station and simulation experiments on Earth. We further indicate essential knowledge gaps of microbial conditions during long-term space missions in isolated confined space habitats or outposts and give detailed recommendations for microbial monitoring during pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight. Finally, the conclusion outlines open questions and aspects of space traveler’s health beyond the scope of this commentary.

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The Results of Microbiological Research of Environmental Microflora of Orbital Station Mir

Cited by 12 publications

References 1 publication

Microorganisms in Confined Habitats: Microbial Monitoring and Control of Intensive Care Units, Operating Rooms, Cleanrooms and the International Space Station

Microorganisms in Confined Habitats: Microbial Monitoring and Control of Intensive Care Units, Operating Rooms, Cleanrooms and the International Space Station

The International Space Station selects for microorganisms adapted to the extreme environment, but does not induce genomic and physiological changes relevant for human health

The crewed journey to Mars and its implications for the human microbiome

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