A metagenomic exploration of microbial distribution among the pond sediment, shrimp (Penaeus monodon) tissue and pond water: A special focus on nutrient cycling and shrimp viral pathogens

Penaeus monodon, a major shrimp species cultivated in Eastern Asia, has faced setbacks in aquaculture due to disease outbreaks. Metagenomic studies offer insights into the pond microbiome, revealing its critical roles in nutrient cycling, water quality, and disease control. This study investigated microbial communities in sediment, water, and shrimp samples from an aquaculture pond in Chaital, West Bengal, India. Shotgun metagenomic sequencing and bioinformatics analyses were used to assess taxonomic and functional profiles, focusing on nutrient cycling genes and viral populations. Sediments showed the highest microbial diversity, contributing to organic matter decomposition and ecological stability. Water microbes played roles in oxygenation and pathogen suppression, while shrimp tissues hosted microbes aiding digestion and immunity. Pathogenic viruses, especially Whispovirus (White Spot Syndrome Virus), dominated shrimp tissues. Functional gene analysis identified key pathways in carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur cycling. Integrating water quality data with microbiome profiles could help identify bioindicators and predict pathogen risks.