Diversity pattern and antibiotic activity of microbial communities inhabiting a karst cave from Costa Rica.

ABSTRACT: The studies of cave bacterial communities worldwide have revealed their potential to produce antibiotic molecules. In Costa Rica, ~400 caves have been identified; however, their microbial diversity and biotechnological potential remain unexplored. In this work, we studied the chemical composition and microbial diversity of a Costa Rican cave (known as the Amblipigida cave) located in Puntarenas, Costa Rica. Additionally, through culture-dependent methods, we evaluated the potential of its microbiota to produce antibiotic molecules. Mineralogical and elemental analyses revealed that the Amblipigida cave is primarily composed of calcite. However, small variations in chemical composition were observed as a result of specific conditions, such as light flashes or the input of organic matter. Th

SUBMITTER: Vasquez-Castro F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11555687 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature