An overview of methods used in aquaculture for the prevention and treatment of bacterial infections, especially those caused by Aeromonas sp.

Abstract

Aeromonas species frequently infect farmed fish and are to blame for global economic losses. The best way to avoid infectious diseases is immunization, however, there are still very few vaccinations that are commercially available in the aquaculture industry. Currently, the production of aquaculture depends significantly on antibiotics, which adds to the global problem of the rise of bacteria that are resistant to medicines and resistance genes. To decrease the usage of antibiotics in aquaculture systems, it is crucial to create efficient antibiotic substitutes. Bacteriophage (or phage) therapy is a promising method for controlling pathogenic bacteria in farmed fish. Even though phages are quite common, the aquatic environment has usually been considered their most natural habitat. Water encourages Brownian motion in multiple directions and raises the likelihood that phage particles may come into contact with their bacterial hosts, but it calls for a deep understanding of several variables, including the choice of phages, the number of infections necessary to effectively inactivate bacteria, safety concerns, bacterial resistance, host immune response, mode of administration, phage stability, and influence.