Harnessing bacteriophage therapy as a sustainable solution for pathogen control in aquaculture
摘要
Bacterial infections pose a major challenge to aquaculture productivity and health, with traditional controls like antibiotics facing limitations, notably the rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Bacteriophages (phages), viruses that specifically target bacteria, offer a precise and sustainable pathogen control. Unlike broad-spectrum treatments, phages eliminate specific pathogens without disrupting beneficial microbiota, positioning them as an eco-friendly strategy, especially pertinent in the era of escalating AMR. This review aims to consolidate current knowledge on bacteriophage therapy within aquaculture, detailing its mechanisms, practical applications, associated challenges, and future potential for enhancing industry sustainability. The study employs a narrative review approach to synthesize the existing literature on bacteriophage therapy relevant to aquaculture systems. The synthesized research indicates promising outcomes for phage therapy, demonstrating its success in managing diverse bacterial infections in farmed aquatic species, including those caused by antibiotic-resistant strains. Phage therapy presents a highly targeted, sustainable, and eco-friendly strategy with significant potential to safeguard aquaculture health and promote more sustainable production systems, particularly by addressing the challenge of antimicrobial resistance.
HighlightsBacteriophage therapy offers a targeted, sustainable alternative to antibiotics in aquaculture. High specificity preserves beneficial microbiota and reduces ecological disruption. Advances like phage cocktails, endolysins, and phage-antibiotic synergy enhance efficacy and combat phage resistance.