Aquaculture, a rapidly growing sector of global food production, faces significant challenges from microbial pathogens, which can lead to substantial economic losses and pose risks to human health. Intensification of aquaculture practices, characterized by high stocking densities and poor water quality management, has created environments conducive to the emergence and spread of various bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic pathogens. Bacterial pathogens such as Vibrio spp., Aeromonas spp., and Streptococcus spp. are among the most significant threats, causing a range of diseases with high fish mortality rates. Viral pathogens, including tilapia lake viruses and megalocytiviruses, have also emerged as serious concerns, with limited control options available. The use of antibiotics to manage these diseases has led to the development of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens, which can spread to humans through horizontal gene transfer and the food chain. This has prompted the exploration of alternative disease management strategies such as probiotics, bacteriophages, and quorum-sensing inhibitors. Environmental factors, including water temperature and quality, play crucial roles in the dynamics of microbial pathogens, and climate change is expected to exacerbate disease outbreaks. Advances in metagenomics and genomic technologies have provided insights into the complex microbial interactions within aquaculture systems, guiding the development of targeted interventions and sustainable management practices. Effective biosecurity measures, vaccination, and adoption of a One Health approach are essential for mitigating the impacts of microbial pathogens in aquaculture. Collaborative efforts among researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders are necessary to address the multifaceted challenges posed by emerging microbial threats and to ensure the long-term sustainability of the aquaculture sector.
Gundi et al. (Thu,) studied this question.