MICROBIAL STATUS OF DEEP DIVERS

The existing deep diving statistics shows that hyperbaria consequences to the human health increase as the dive gets deeper and longer. The most common reason for termination of occupational saturation dives and early decompression is mycotic otitis externa and otitis media. In 1980s IBMP carried out investigations of the microbial status of deep saturation divers working at various depths. The results point to the fact that regardless of diver's biotope from the beginning of the isopression phase, the commensal microflora decreases gradually and the count of opportunistic gram-negative bacteria rises. Administration of antibiotics during prolonged dives must be restricted as an accessory selection factor for resistant agent.