Characterization of Vibrio gigantis and Vibrio pomeroyi isolated from invertebrates of Peter the Great Bay, Sea of Japan

Previously unknown associations of Vibrio gigantis with the trepang Apostichopus japonicus and of V. pomeroyi with the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus nudus were described in Vostok Bay of Peter the Great Bay, Sea of Japan. Bacterial isolates were identified based on their morphological, cultural and biochemical characteristics, as well as by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Strain 915 (V. gigantis) was found to possess amylase, gelatinase, chitinase, pustulanase, glucosidase, galactosidase, and alginase, while strain 929 (V. pomeroyi) possessed amylase, gelatinase, chitinase, and fucoidanase. S. nudus and A. japonicus probably provide favorable niches for V. gigantis and V. pomeroyi and act as natural reservoirs for these bacteria in Peter the Great Bay. The broad spectrum of enzymes in associated vibrios suggests their role in food digestion of the above marine invertebrates.