Effects of the microbiome manipulation on survival and GI tract development of larval zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Abstract

Microbial diversity within an aquatic community can be used to increase the growth and development of organisms. In this study, Zebrafish larvae were reared in three treatments 1) a probiotic containing 17 strains of Lactobacillus spp., 2) an amoxicillin solution, 3) water from the broodstock culture tank as the control. Survival of the larvae throughout 10 dpf was recorded. To determine the development of the gastrointestinal tract DASPEI stain was used for larvae at the age of 3 dpf to 6dpf. The intensity of the fluorescence in each larva was observed through the automated digital microscope. According to the experiment results, a significant difference (P<0.0001) in the survival rates among all treatments was recorded. The probiotic-treated larvae (PTL) had a higher survival rate. This could be due to the presence of lactic acid bacteria in the probiotic treatment, which helps in enhancing immunity. In DASPEI staining, also PTL exhibits more fluorescence in the GI tract at 24 hours to 48 hours post-hatch than the other two treatments. The main possible reason behind this could also be the presence of Lactobacillus spp. Which directly influences the higher activity of the digestive system.