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Email the author (Login required) Genomic study and characterization of Bacillus safensis and its potential use in white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) farming
Submited: 2025-07-25 18:43:13 | Published: 2026-06-30 22:44:53
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3856/vol54-issue3-fulltext-3508
Abstract
Bacillus safensis has emerged as a promising probiotic candidate in aquaculture due to its metabolic versatility and antagonistic activity against pathogenic bacteria. In this study, two morphotypes of B. safensis (BS1-A and BS1-B) were characterized using biochemical and genomic analyses, and their effects on the productive performance of white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) were evaluated. Both morphotypes exhibited Gram-positive, rod-shaped cells; punctiform colonies with entire margins and flat elevation; carbohydrate fermentation; indole production; lack of motility; and the ability to produce protease and cellulase enzymes. Whole-genome sequencing of BS1-A revealed a genome size of 3,686,099 bp. Average nucleotide identity (ANI) analysis showed 99.999% identity between BS1-A and BS1-B and 97.46% identity with the reference strain PgKB20. Shrimp bioassays were conducted over six weeks using three treatments in a juvenile white shrimp culture system: control (1% molasses), BAC (1% molasses plus B. safensis at a final concentration of 2.50×107 CFU mL-1), and COM (1% molasses plus a commercial probiotic at the same concentration). At the end of the experimental period, significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed among treatments in growth performance, weight gain, feed consumption, and survival. Under the experimental conditions evaluated, the results suggest that B. safensis BS1-A and BS1-B contribute to improved digestion and nutrient absorption from balanced feed, thereby enhancing shrimp growth performance.
