Is this project an undergraduate, graduate, or faculty project?
Graduate
Project Type
individual
Campus
Daytona Beach
Authors' Class Standing
Mikayla Dutkiewicz, Graduate Student
Lead Presenter's Name
Mikayla Dutkiewicz
Lead Presenter's College
DB College of Arts and Sciences
Faculty Mentor Name
Alba A. Chavez
Abstract
The adaptation of microorganisms to space environments presents unique challenges for astronaut health, particularly concerning opportunistic pathogens such as Candida albicans. This study evaluates the antifungal susceptibility of a C. albicans strain isolated from the International Space Station (ISS) and compares its resistance profile to Earth-based counterparts. A total of 16 antifungal agents were tested using a microtiter plate assay to determine minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs). The ISS isolate exhibited increased resistance to 10 antifungals, including caspofungin, one of the most potent antifungal agents currently available. These findings suggest that exposure to microgravity and spaceflight conditions may contribute to enhanced antifungal resistance, underscoring the importance of routine microbial surveillance aboard space missions. As prolonged human spaceflight becomes a reality, screening for antifungal resistance in ISS isolates is critical to developing effective countermeasures against opportunistic infections in astronauts. This study highlights the need for continuous monitoring and novel therapeutic strategies to combat fungal pathogens in space environments.
Did this research project receive funding support (Spark, SURF, Research Abroad, Student Internal Grants, Collaborative, Climbing, or Ignite Grants) from the Office of Undergraduate Research?
No
Antifungal Susceptibility of Candida albicans Isolated from the International Space Station: Resistance Screening and Comparison to Earth Strains
The adaptation of microorganisms to space environments presents unique challenges for astronaut health, particularly concerning opportunistic pathogens such as Candida albicans. This study evaluates the antifungal susceptibility of a C. albicans strain isolated from the International Space Station (ISS) and compares its resistance profile to Earth-based counterparts. A total of 16 antifungal agents were tested using a microtiter plate assay to determine minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs). The ISS isolate exhibited increased resistance to 10 antifungals, including caspofungin, one of the most potent antifungal agents currently available. These findings suggest that exposure to microgravity and spaceflight conditions may contribute to enhanced antifungal resistance, underscoring the importance of routine microbial surveillance aboard space missions. As prolonged human spaceflight becomes a reality, screening for antifungal resistance in ISS isolates is critical to developing effective countermeasures against opportunistic infections in astronauts. This study highlights the need for continuous monitoring and novel therapeutic strategies to combat fungal pathogens in space environments.