Hard and soft coral-associated bacteria with pathogenic and probiotic potential

Microorganisms associated with coral reefs play a critical role in coral health and survival. The objective of this study was to identify difficult-to-grow bacterial isolates associated with the octocorals Carijoa riisei and Leptogorgia alba, and hermatypic corals Pocillopora damicornis and Pocillopora verrucosa. Isolates were identified through 16S rRNA sequencing and 18 were identified, including several pathogenic bacteria, Vibrio sp., Grimontia indica and Pseudoalteromonas piratica. In addition, isolates associated with pathogen inhibition, Ruegeria profundi, Ruegeria conchae, Pseudoalteromonas luteoviolacea, and Pseudoalteromonas gelatinilytica were identified. The vulnerability of marine organisms to microbial changes is shown and information is provided on their response to environmental stress.