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Updated: Jun 27, 2026

A Set of In Situ Informed Simulated Medium Formats for Culturing Environmentally Acquired Anaerobic Microorganisms
Published on: January 12, 2024
Sulfate-reducing bacteria are common members of bacterial communities in Altamira Cave (Spain)
M Carmen Portillo1, Juan M Gonzalez
1Instituto de Recursos Naturales y Agrobiología, CSIC, Avda. Reina Mercedes 10, 41012, Sevilla, Spain.
Abstract:
The conservation of paleolithic paintings such as those in Altamira Cave (Spain) is a primary objective. Recent molecular studies have shown the existence of unknown microbial communities in this cave including anaerobic microorganisms on cave walls. Herein, we analyzed an anaerobic microbial group, the sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB), from Altamira Cave with potential negative effects on painting conservation. In the present work, the communities of bacteria and SRB were studied through PCR-DGGE analysis. Data suggest that SRB communities represent a significant, highly diverse bacterial group in Altamira Cave. These findings represent a first report on this physiological group on caves with paleolithic paintings and their potential biodegradation consequences. Expanding our knowledge on microbial communities in Altamira Cave is a priority to design appropriate conservation strategies.
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