Use of marine microorganisms in designing anti-infective strategies for sustainable aquaculture production

Aquaculture, a noteworthy food production sector, is confronted with disease occurrences. Treatment of aquaculture pathogens with antibiotics is often rendered ineffective due to biofilm formation and the development of resistant strains. Marine ecosystems encompass unusual microorganisms that produce novel bioactive compounds, including agents that could be used as alternatives to antibiotics. Moreover, biomass and/or biomolecules associated with these microorganisms could act as feed supplements to enhance the overall health of aquaculture species' and improve water quality parameters. The present review summarizes the contents of studies on such marine microorganisms with the potential to be developed as agents for tackling bacterial diseases in the aquaculture segment. Bioactive compounds produced by marine bacteria are known to inhibit biofilm-associated infections mediated by their bactericidal properties (produced by Bacillus, Vibrio, Photobacterium, and Pseudoalteromonas species), surfactant activity (obtained from different species of Bacillus and Staphylococcus lentus), anti-adhesive activity (derived from Bacillus sp. and Brevibacterium sp.), and quorum sensing inhibition. Several marine fungal isolates capable of producing antibacterial agents have also been effective in inhibiting aquaculture-associated pathogens. Another strategy followed by investigators to reduce the severity of infections is the use of bacterial, yeast, and microalgae biomass as feed supplements, probiotics, and immunostimulants. In some cases, marine microalgae have been employed as sustainable alternatives to fish oil and fish meal without compromising on nutritional quality. Their inclusion in aquaculture feed has enhanced growth, favored better survival of cultured species, and improved water quality parameters. Marine microorganisms (by providing effective bioactive compounds and being used as feed supplements) could enable aquaculture practices to be more sustainable in the future.

Automated summary

Aquaculture, an important food production sector, is facing the challenge of disease occurrences. Marine microorganisms have the potential to provide alternative solutions to antibiotics for treating bacterial diseases in aquaculture. Furthermore, these microorganisms can also act as feed supplements to improve the overall health of aquaculture species and water quality. This review summarizes the studies on marine microorganisms and their potential as agents for tackling bacterial diseases in aquaculture.