Studies on exploring the potentials of gut microbiomes to mitigate the bacterial and viral diseases of fish and shellfish in aquaculture farming

Abstract

Intensified research focuses on unraveling the microbiome species residing in the gastrointestinal tracts of fish and shellfish. These microbial communities hold promise for controlling pervasive bacterial and viral diseases that continually afflict aquaculture farming, resulting in substantial economic losses. Despite the continuous growth witnessed in the aquaculture industry over the last two to three decades, recurring disease outbreaks have posed significant challenges. The industry has grappled with setbacks, as emerging challenges in pathological issues of cultivated aquatic organisms continually outpace the development of adequate protocols to contain disease spread. Antibiotics and other chemical interventions aimed at mitigating bacterial and viral diseases are frequently proven only partially effective. The usage of such interventions may not address the escalating health concerns within aquatic ecosystems and raises issues of effectiveness, environmental impact, and potential threats to public health. Innovations like bio-floc technology and bacteriophage utilization, while promising, present limited efficacy in curbing pathogen invasion. Recent reports highlight the beneficial role of microbiomes within the gut tracts of organisms, not only fortifying the immune system but also inhibiting pathogens. This microbial intervention contributes to enhanced physiological functions, fostering overall better health in aquatic organisms. Capitalizing on these findings, probiotics have been frequently employed in aquaculture to promote health and growth of cultivated species. This review comprehensively explores the utilization of gut microbiome species in fish and shellfish, providing insights into their role in mitigating pathological issues of aquacultured organisms.