Diversity and enzymatic profile of bacterial flora in the gut of an estuarine fish, <i>Mugil jerdoni</i>

Abstract

In order to examine the bacterial diversity and enzymatic potential, the isolates were screened for the amylolytic, cellulolytic, lipolytic and proteolytic activities using selective media. Significant proportion of the isolates (44%) exhibited lipase activity, while only few (11%) had protease activity. The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that most of the isolates related to the genera <i>Bacillus</i>, <i>Acinetobacter</i>, <i>Staphylococcus</i>, <i>Aeromonas</i>, <i>Psychrobacter</i>, <i>Dietzia </i> and <i>Isoptericola</i>. Examined bacteria displayed significant tolerance against varying salt concentrations. Most of the isolates displayed antagonism against 10 selected target organisms. Bacteria were also assessed for their resistance and sensitivity against different antibiotics. <i>Staphylococcus epidermis</i> MJMG8.1 and <i>Dietzia</i> sp. MJMG8.2 grew significantly in the presence of different organic solvents.