Isolation of H2S-generating Bacterium (Desulfovibrio sp.) and Vibrio parahaemolyticus from Aquatic Farming and In Vitro Evaluation of the Ability of Bacteriophages as Biocontrol

Abstract

Shrimp aquaculture faces environmental challenges from H2 S production and bacterial pathogens like Vibrio spp. and Desulfovibrio spp.. This can create harmful compounds like H2 S and provide a breeding ground for Vibrio bacteria, causing diseases in shrimp. Antibiotics are commonly used to treat these diseases, but they can lead to resistance and pollution. Therefore, using bacteriophages as a treatment option is a more sustainable approach. This study isolated and evaluated bacteriophages capable of selectively inhibiting these bacteria, demonstrating their potential as sustainable biocontrol agents for improving water quality and reducing reliance on antibiotics. Bacteria were identified through biochemical and molecular tests, and bacteriophages were isolated using plaque and spread methods. This study isolated the Desulfovibrio vulgaris strain (12D) and identified bacteriophages capable of inhibiting Vibrio parahaemolyticus in shrimp aquaculture systems. Three potential bacteriophage strains were identified that can inhibit Desulfovibrio vulgaris and V. parahaemolyticus bacteria by altering the size, shape, and number of colonies in treatments supplemented with phages. Although they do not change the genetic sequence of these bacteria, they effectively control their population. Among the three bacteriophage lineages, ɸTT2H was the most effective in inhibiting Desulfovibrio vulgaris. This research demonstrates the potential of using bacteriophages in shrimp culture to control bacterial populations.