Space microbiology - Risks and challenges for long-term space missions

The immune system is one of the most affected systems of the human body during space flight. The microbial environment of a spacecraft consists of numerous pathogenic microorganisms, as well as species with bio-destructive properties, which can cause material damage. During spaceflight conditions, enhanced microbial proliferation, increased virulence and increased resistance to antibiotics was observed. The combination of a complex immune dysfunction with an altered endogenous microbial flora and particularly resistant and virulent bacteria can be considered as a significant risk for - serious infections during long-term space missions.