FIRST ISOLATION OF VIBRIO PROBIOTICUS FROM THE GUT OF PORTUNUS PELAGICUS (LINNAEUS, 1758) AND ITS PROBIOTIC COMPETENCY AGAINST SHELLFISH PATHOGENS

In this study, the Vibrio probioticus was isolated from the gut of female Portunus pleagicus, identified through 16S rDNA gene sequencing, and was evaluated for its probiotic features. The probiont was tested in co-culture assay at various concentrations against three target shellfish pathogens including V. harveyi, V. parahaemolyticus and Pseudoalteromonas piscicida. In a co-culture assay it was apparent that the V. probioticus had shown to outcompete the growth of tested pathogenic bacteria due to its antibacteriocin properties. Different ratios produced different effect on tested pathogens, however, the highest ratio (pathogen:probiont) was more effective in suppressing the pathogen. A maximum inhibition growth was recorded for V. harveyi and P. piscicida. The probionts could further be tested in vivo culture environment to understand the effectiveness in microbial control of P. pelagicus larviculture and other aquaculture species.