Microbial Probiotics in Aquaculture Pathogen Management
Summary
Microbial probiotics represent a sustainable strategy to mitigate infectious diseases in aquaculture by harnessing beneficial microorganisms to outcompete or inhibit pathogens. These live microbial supplements can be introduced via feed, live prey or water to modulate the host microbiome, enhance immune responses and maintain water quality. Probiotics act through multiple mechanisms, including competitive exclusion of pathogens, secretion of antimicrobial compounds, enhancement of gut barrier functions and modulation of host immune gene expression. Their application spans finfish, shellfish and crustaceans, addressing threats from Vibrio, Aeromonas, Edwardsiella and other opportunistic bacteria. Probiotic use reduces reliance on antibiotics, limits the development of antimicrobial resistance and contributes to environmental sustainability. Practical examples include incorporation of spore‐forming Bacillus strains in shrimp feed, application of Phaeobacter spp. to live algae and co-culture of Roseobacter clade bacteria with Artemia. Ongoing research seeks to characterise strain–host–environment interactions, optimise delivery methods and develop consortia tailored to specific production systems and disease challenges.
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Microbial Probiotics in Aquaculture Pathogen Management publication trend
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Technical terms
Probiotic: A live microorganism that, when administered in adequate amounts, confers a health benefit on the host by modulating the microbiome and immune system.
Tropodithietic acid (TDA): A sulphur-containing antibacterial compound produced by certain marine bacteria that inhibits Vibrio and other aquaculture pathogens.
Microbiome: The collective genome and community of microorganisms inhabiting a specific environment, such as the gastrointestinal tract or rearing water.
Competitive exclusion: The process by which probiotic strains occupy ecological niches and resources, preventing pathogen colonisation.
Live feed: Organisms such as rotifers, Artemia or microalgae used to deliver probiotics and nutrition to larval stages in aquaculture.
References
- Co-Culturing Microalgae with Roseobacter Clade Bacteria as a Strategy for Vibrionaceae Control in Microalgae-Enriched Artemia. Microorganisms (2023).
- Streptomyces enissocaesilis L-82 has broad-spectrum antibacterial activity and promotes growth for Carassius auratus. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology (2024).
- Antagonistic activity of Phaeobacter piscinae against the emerging fish pathogen Vibrio crassostreae in aquaculture feed algae. Applied and Environmental Microbiology (2024).
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