Bacteria Metagenome. terrestrial metagenome

Due to the constantly expanding field of human activities in caves, it is necessary to investigate the risk posed by pathogenic bacteria present in subterranean environments as well as to draw attention to cave conservation. Studies of microbial communities in caves may also provide insights of microbial relationships, biogeochemical processes, evolution and lead to the discovery of novel bioactive compounds. In this study barcode pyrosequencing of 16S rRNA genes was used to investigate the microbial composition in two Crimean caves and to determine the distribution of bacteria, referred as natural human microflora, within pristine and disturbed cave areas.