Intra- and interspecific comparisons of bacterial diversity and community structure support coevolution of gut microbiota and termite host.

ABSTRACT: We investigated the bacterial gut microbiota from 32 colonies of wood-feeding termites, comprising four Microcerotermes species (Termitidae) and four Reticulitermes species (Rhinotermitidae), using terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis and clonal analysis of 16S rRNA. The obtained molecular community profiles were compared statistically between individuals, colonies, locations, and species of termites. Both analyses revealed that the bacterial community structure was remarkably similar within each termite genus, with small but significant differences between sampling sites and/or termite species. In contrast, considerable differences were found between the two termite genera. Only one bacterial phylotype (defined with 97% sequence identity) was shared between the two t

SUBMITTER: Hongoh Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1287746 | biostudies-literature | 2005 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature