Isolation and characterisation of coral mucus bacilli with quorum quenching potential as a biocontrol agent for shrimp gut protection against Early Mortality Syndrome (EMS)

A shrimp disease, known commonly as Early Mortality Syndrome (EMS), has been a major problem for shrimp aquaculture in Southeast Asia due to its epizootic prevalence within the region since it was first reported in 2009. In this study, Bacilli strains isolated from coral mucus were tested for antagonistic effects against quorum sensing and the causative pathogen. Phenotypic characterisation was carried out, including bacilli biofilms characterisation, temperature-growth responses and biosurfactant production. Three phenotypically distinct strains showing notable potential were chosen to undergo coevolution as a method for strain improvement via long term exposure to the pathogen.