Changes in the fungal autoflora of Apollo astronauts

Abstract

Specimens were repeatedly obtained for mycological examination from the skin, throat, urine, and feces of the six astronauts who conducted the Apollo 14 and Apollo 15 lunar exploration missions. Analysis of preflight data demonstrates that the process of severely restricting opportunities from colonization for 3 weeks before flight resulted in a 50% reduction in the number of isolated species. Postflight data indicate that exposure to the space flight environment for up to 2 weeks resulted in an even greater reduction with a relative increase in the potential pathogen Candida albicans. No incidences of microbial shock were observed when crewmembers were quarantined for 16 days after completion of the space flight. Intercrew transfer of particular species could not be demonstrated because most species were not consistently recovered.