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Stress Challenges and Immunity in Space pp 299–308Cite as

Monitoring the Microbial Burden in Manned Space Stations

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Abstract

The consequences of impaired immunity to adequately cope with microbial contamination increase the risk of infections in general. Especially in space, the consequences of an impaired immune system can further aggravate as astronauts face multiple stressors in an artificial environment with its own microbial population and dynamics. In this chapter, the knowledge of the environmental microbial burden in manned space stations and, in particular, the International Space Station ISS will be reviewed in terms of level and diversity. The implemented quality standards and monitoring strategies will be discussed in relation to the microbial burden and its impact on the crew’s well-being and ship safety.

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Acknowledgments

This work was supported by the European Space Agency (ESA-PRODEX) and the Belgian Science Policy (Belspo) through the COMICS and EXANAM projects. We are grateful to Duane L. Pierson (NASA, JSC) for critical reading and suggestions for improvement.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Unit of Microbiology, Expert Group Molecular and Cellular Biology, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK•CEN), Mol, Belgium

    Rob Van Houdt & Natalie Leys

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  1. Rob Van Houdt
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  2. Natalie Leys
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Correspondence to Rob Van Houdt .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Klinikum Großhadern, Klinik für Anästhesiologie und, Universitätsklinikum München, Marchioninistr. 15, München, 81377, Germany

    Alexander Chouker

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Van Houdt, R., Leys, N. (2012). Monitoring the Microbial Burden in Manned Space Stations. In: Chouker, A. (eds) Stress Challenges and Immunity in Space. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-22272-6_22

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