Knowledge of the composition of the gut microbiota in freshwater fish living in their natural habitat has taxonomic and ecological importance. Few reports have been produced on the composition of the gut microbiota and on the presence of LAB in the intestines of freshwater fish that inhabit river environments. In this study, we investigated the LAB community that was present in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of Mediterranean trout (Salmo macrostigma) that colonized the Biferno and Volturno rivers of the Molise region (Italy). The partial 16S rRNA gene sequences of these strains were determined for the species-level taxonomic placement. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that the isolated LABs belonged to seven genera (Carnobacterium, Enterococcus, Lactobacillus, Lactiplantibacillus, Vagococcus, Lactococcus, and Weissella). The study of the enzymatic activities showed that these LABs could contribute to the breakdown of polysaccharides, proteins, and lipids. In future studies, a greater understanding of how the LABs act against pathogens and trigger the fish immune response may provide practical means to engineer the indigenous fish microbiome and enhance disease control and fish health.
Keywords: Mediterranean trout; gut microbiota; lactic acid bacteria; river environment.