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Mushroom stem-based diets elicit region-specific shifts in rainbow trout gut microbiota

Summary

Researchers tested whether mushroom stem waste products could be used as sustainable fish feed ingredients. When juvenile rainbow trout were fed diets containing 30% mushroom stems from three different species, their gut bacteria changed in beneficial ways without harming the intestinal lining. Different parts of the gut showed different bacterial responses, with the most beneficial effects being increased growth of helpful bacteria like Mycoplasma and Legionella. This research suggests mushroom processing byproducts could improve aquaculture sustainability while supporting fish health.

Background

The intestinal microbiota of fish plays a crucial role in host health and exhibits region-specific functions influenced by dietary components. Mushroom-derived meals have emerged as novel sustainable ingredients with prebiotic potential, though their effects on fish intestinal microbiota remain understudied.

Objective

To evaluate the effects of mushroom stem meals from Agaricus bisporus, Lentinula edodes, and Pleurotus ostreatus on the intestinal microbiota composition and histomorphology of rainbow trout across different gut regions.

Results

Mushroom stem-based diets induced region-specific shifts in microbial communities with subtle changes in diversity indices. The Agaricus bisporus diet increased Mycoplasma and Legionella abundance, Pleurotus ostreatus promoted Paenibacillus, while Lentinula edodes showed minimal genus-level changes. Control diet showed higher Desulfobacterota abundance compared to mushroom-supplemented diets.

Conclusion

Mushroom stem meals act as functional ingredients with prebiotic effects, beneficially modulating intestinal microbiota while maintaining intestinal mucosal integrity in rainbow trout. The region-specific effects suggest distinct microbial roles in different intestinal segments related to digestion, nutrient metabolism, and carbohydrate fermentation.
  • Published in:Scientific Reports,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: 10.1038/s41598-025-27707-1, PMID: 41326511
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