In vitro antimicrobial activity of Lactobacillus isolates against shrimp (Penaeus monodon) pathogens

Four isolates of Lactobacillus spp. from the gut of a healthy shrimp (Penaeus monodon) were screened for antimicrobial activity against seven shrimp pathogens (Vibrio spp., Aeromonas spp, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus sp. and Salmonella sp.) by agar well diffusion assay. Two isolates were found active against all the strains. The challenging experiment showed that Lactobacillus L2 at 1.0 x 106 cfu/ml was enough to suppress Vibrio sp. V2 within 12 hours. The isolated strains Lactobacillus L1 and L2 could have potential against Vibrio sp. V2 under in vitro condition and could be employed as potential probiotics in shrimp aquaculture system for control of bacterial infections.