Gut Dysbiosis Allows Foodborne Salmonella Colonization in Edible Crickets: A Probiotic Strategy for Enhanced Food Safety

Aims Edible insects, including crickets, represent a promising protein source, yet concerns over foodborne pathogens limit consumer acceptance. This study investigated whether gut microbiota modulates colonization by Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Enteritidis (SE) in the two-spotted cricket (Gryllus bimaculatus). Methods and Results Under standard conditions, SE was undetectable in crickets despite prolonged exposure; however, antibiotic-induced dysbiosis enabled stable SE colonization. Long-read 16S rRNA sequencing revealed significant microbiota shifts, notably a reduction in Lactococcus garvieae. In vitro assays showed strong inhibitory effects of L. garvieae against SE, and supplementation of dysbiotic crickets with L. garvieae reduced SE colonization by ∼1,000-fold. Conclusions The native cricket gut microbiota, especially L. garvieae, plays a protective role against SE colonization. Enhancing beneficial gut bacteria could mitigate pathogen risks and promote edible insects as a sustainable protein.