Updated on 27 February 2013
Many microbiologists suspect that nonpathogenic bacteria are acting as a vast pool of ancient resistance genes waiting to be transferred to pathogenic bacteria. While speaking in this regard, Dr Wright said that, "It's kind of a thesis at this point: These benign environmental organisms are the root of resistance. There are so many of them with so many resistance genes that could move horizontally through populations."
The cave finding builds on Dr Wright's previous work, in which he found bacteria with resistance genes in primordial soils untouched by humans, normal soils, and permafrost. Dr Wright wanted firmer evidence that antibiotic resistance genes are ancient and not a new microbiological fad.