Abstract # 1855 Latent virus reactivation in astronauts during international space station

Abstract

Latent virus reactivation and diurnal salivary cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) were measured prospectively in 23 astronauts (18 male and 5 female) before, during, and after long duration (60–180 days) space missions on the International Space Station (ISS). Blood, urine, and saliva samples were collected during each of three phases (before, during, and after) spaceflight. Twenty age and sex matched healthy round based subjects were included in the study as a control group. Viral DNA was measured for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), varicella-zoster virus (VZV), and cytomegalovirus (CMV). One astronaut did not shed targeted viruses in any samples collected during the three mission phases. Simultaneous shedding of all three viruses (EBV, VZV, and CMV) was observed in 8 astronauts. The viruses reactivated independently of each other. Reactivation of EBV, VZV, and CMV increased in frequency, duration, and amplitude (viral copy numbers) when compared to short duration (10–16 days) space shuttle missions. Herpes simplex (HSV 1 and 2) and human herpes virus 6 did not reactivate. Mean salivary cortisol increased significantly during flight as compared to before flight (p = 0.010). There was no difference between the after flight and before-flight (p = .048) levels of cortisol. DHEA concentrations did not change significantly for ISS crew members.