Genomic Characterization of Probiotic Purple Nonsulfur Bacteria Cereibacter sphaeroides Strains S3W10 and SS15:...

Cereibacter sphaeroides strains S3W10 and SS15, isolated from shrimp ponds, exhibit potential probiotic benefits for aquaculture. In this study, the genomic features of S3W10 and SS15 were thoroughly characterized to evaluate their probiotic properties and safety for aquaculture use. The genomes of S3W10 and SS15 consist of 130 and 74 contigs, with sizes of 4.6 Mb and 4.4 Mb and GC contents of 69.2%. Average nucleotide identity (ANI), digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH), and phylogenomic analyses confirmed that these strains belong to C. sphaeroides. Genome annotation predicted 4260 coding sequences (CDS) in S3W10 and 4086 CDS in SS15, including genes associated with stress tolerance, nutrient absorption, and antioxidant activity. Notably, genes related to vitamin B12 synthesis, digestive enzyme production, and carotenoid biosynthesis, which support shrimp health, were identified in both genomes. CAZyme analysis identified 116 and 115 carbohydrate-active enzymes in S3W10 and SS15, respectively, supporting adaptation to gastrointestinal environments and the host immune response. Pan-genome analysis across C. sphaeroides strains revealed 7918 gene clusters, highlighting the open pan-genome structure of this species and its high genetic diversity. Further bioinformatic analyses assessing mobile genetic elements, antibiotic-resistance genes, and virulence factors demonstrated the safety of both strains for aquaculture, as no plasmids or virulence genes were identified. The genomic insights in this study provide a deeper understanding of the strains' adaptability and functional potential, aligning with previous in vitro and in vivo studies and highlighting their potential for use in shrimp cultivation.