Coral mucus-associated bacteria: a possible first line of defense

摘要: Interactions among microorganisms found in coral mucus can be either symbiotic or competitive. It has been hypothesized that microbial communities on the surface of play a role holobiont defense, possibly through production antimicrobial substances. Selected isolated from layer number species were grown using agar-plating techniques. Screening for substances was performed overlay and drop techniques, employing several indicator microorganisms. Between 25% 70% cultivable mucus-associated bacteria scleractinian corals demonstrated bioactivity. Higher percentages activity evident massive solitary corals, as compared with branching soft corals. Isolates related to genera Vibrio Pseudoalteromonas high against both Gram-positive Gram-negative bacteria. (Bacillus, Planomicrobium) lower levels activity, primarily other In some cases, inhibitory effects confined cell fraction, suggesting involvement cell-bound molecule, sensitive temperature most likely proteinaceous nature. These results demonstrate existence surface, acting first line defense protect host pathogens.