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This work shows results of a comprehensive study of the vaginal and cervical microflora of women participating in a ground-based model experiment simulating some factors of space flight. Experiments with dry immersion allow to simulate such factors of a space flight as physical inactivity and microgravity, as well as the redistribution of liquid media associated with them. 16 volunteers, participated in 5-days dry immersion experiment, used an oral prebiotic drug based on lactoferrin and intravaginal probiotic capsules based on Lactobacillus acidophilus. It was found that the oral use of lactoferrin has a delayed positive effect on the state of the microflora of the vagina and cervical canal of volunteers. This effect is especially pronounced on the 35th day after the end of the immersion. While the use of probiotic capsules has a faster effect, noticeable after 5 days of use during immersion. The combination of lactoferrin and probiotic capsules did not give noticeable effect, which can be explained both by a small group of volunteers or lack of a synergistic effect of these drugs. One of the means that can give high efficiency in the prevention of the dysbiosis of the vaginal microflora are intravaginal capsules made of autostrains isolated individually from each volunteer and addition of lactoferrin into the capsules, the effectiveness of which when using locally was also proven in previously conducted studies in gynecological patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is known that long-term isolation in sealed compartment the first 10-14 days is called a period of "acute adaptation". It is manifested by an increase of number of opportunistic microflora species together with quantitative decrease of protective microflora species. This is fraught with the development of auto- and cross-infections. In this regard, it is necessary to develop countermeasures against maladjustment processes in these conditions. IBMP conducted research on possibility of using an autotrophic element of biological life support systems, including as an additive in diets. A comparative assessment of the microflora of 6 people, participants of a long-term isolation experiment, was carried out. As countermeasures pills based on spirulina were used. Two pills was taken by all participants times per day. For comparison, archival data from experiments in which subjects did not use any countermeasures were used. The results indicate the stabilization of the microbiocenosis of the intestines and upper respiratory tract when using the spirulina pills. The concentration of Enterococci was maintained at a high level, most of the participants did not have Proteus, Staphylococci or yests. However there were minor fluctuations in the content of protective groups in the intestinal microflora (Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli), which determines the need to include probiotics as countemesures. Thus, studies have demonstrated the positive results of the use of spirulina as a countermesure. Therefore, it is expedient to consider the issue of equipping the sealed compartments planned for use for the implementation of deep space exploration programs with water-mixture bioreactors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]