The Kentucky Microbiome Dataset

The Kentucky Microbiome Dataset is a continuously updated geolocated dataset which describes the distribution and diversity of microorganisms across the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Each geolocated point represents a location reported in the peer-reviewed literature where microorganisms were sampled from soil, water, geologic substrates, or clinical settings. Environmental studies include only non-host-associated, non-clinical microorganisms sampled from natural environments. Clinical studies are mapped separately to highlight locations where investigations into host-associated or human health-related microbes have occurred.

For each location, associated metadata include study information, taxonomic classifications, sample type, sampling method, latitude and longitude, sampling date, publication reference, and a direct link to the source publication. The data also incorporates Kentucky Geological Survey (KGS) research on microbial diversity in geologic environments.

Additionally, the data contains processed geolocated microbial surveillance data from the Kentucky Watershed Watch program, indicating sites where Escherichia coli (E. coli) has been sampled from streams, rivers, and other fluvial systems. A geometric mean for E. coli from each site was calculated and the results for each site are provided in this dataset.

The Kentucky Microbiome Dataset serves as a versatile dataset to apply to a range of applications, including pathogen surveillance, microbial ecology studies, preliminary environmental assessments, emerging pathogen prediction, bioprospecting, bioremediation targeting, epidemiological investigations, and public health monitoring. This dataset will be updated regularly as new studies and sampling results become available.