16S amplicon sequencing of microbiome samples from Nile tilapia.. 16S Amplicon seq

Host microbiota is affected by many factors, among these genetics is critical in shaping the microbial composition. Many studies have reported that genetics and environmental factors including dietary components are determinants of fish microbiota. In addition, breeding is known to transfer the microbiome to offspring. Here, we report for the first time the influence of breeding (inbred and outbred) on the mouth and gut bacterial communities in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Employing a 16S rRNA gene sequencing technique, we found that genetics has a significant effect on the diversity of intestine bacterial communities. The membership of core microbiota was not affected by breeding. However, their abundance in the studied body sites of Nile tilapia was influenced by breeding. Inter-individual variation in the intestine of the inbred group was limited compared to that in the mouth. Furthermore, opportunistic bacteria were abundant in the mouth of the outbred group. This study highlights the effect of genetics, as evidenced through breeding, on the mouth and gut bacterial communities of Nile tilapia.