Towards a Rational Basis for the Selection of Probiotics to Improve Silkworm Health and Performance

Area of Science:

• Sericulture
• Microbiology
• Animal Health

Background:

• Pathogenic infections pose significant risks to silkworm health and sericulture productivity.
• Probiotics offer a promising strategy to enhance silkworm growth and pathogen resistance.
• Current probiotic selection lacks a rational, evidence-based framework.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and organize critical information for effective silkworm probiotic application.
• To analyze silkworm microbiota, its origins, and interactions with pathogens.
• To evaluate microorganisms used as silkworm probiotics.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and analysis of existing research on silkworm microbiota and probiotics.
• Examination of silkworm-pathogen interactions.
• Synthesis of data on microbial applications in sericulture.

Main Results:

• Silkworms lack a consistent "core microbiota," requiring adaptable probiotic strategies.
• Certain microorganisms may negatively impact resistance to baculovirus infections.
• Lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus sp.) show beneficial effects as silkworm probiotics.

Conclusions:

• Developing effective silkworm probiotics necessitates a deeper understanding of their gut microbiome.
• Probiotic selection should consider environmental factors and potential negative microbial interactions.
• Lactic acid bacteria represent a promising avenue for improving silkworm health and performance.