The termite hindgut contains a microbial community that symbiotically aids in digestion of lignocellulosic materials. For better understanding of the dynamics of the bacteria-termite relationship, a species survey of bacterial hindgut microbes in subterranean termites (Reticulitermes flavipes: Kollar) collected from Louisville, Mississippi was performed after exposure to chitosan-treated and control (water-treated) wood samples. Total genomic DNA was isolated from termite hindguts, amplified and 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene fragments were analyzed using next-generation sequencing techniques. Twenty-seven bacteria phyla were identified in both treatment groups, with six bacteria phyla showing significantly differences in abundance between the chitosan-treated and control groups. These results suggest that there was a treatment driven effect on the hindgut bacteria diversity.

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