Aeromonas Biocontrol Using Bacteriophages: A Promising Strategy 

Abstract

Aeromonas spp. are Gram-negative bacteria commonly found in aquatic environments, posing significant risks to aquaculture and human health. In aquaculture, infections cause substantial economic losses, while in humans, Aeromonas can lead to illnesses ranging from gastroenteritis to severe infections like septicemia. The growing issue of antibiotic resistance in Aeromonas highlights the need for alternative control methods. Bacteriophage-based biocontrol offers a promising approach, providing several advantages over traditional antibiotic treatments. Research has focused on isolating and characterizing Aeromonas-specific bacteriophages from environments such as water bodies and sewage. These phages have been analyzed for their morphology, genome sequences, and lytic activity against various Aeromonas strains. Laboratory and field trials show that phages can effectively lyse Aeromonas, making them strong candidates for biocontrol. Phage therapy offers a targeted and eco-friendly solution, improving fish health and aquaculture sustainability. Additionally, phages can be used in food processing to eliminate Aeromonas contamination, enhancing food safety, and in water treatment to reduce water-borne infections. However, challenges such as phage stability, bacterial resistance, and regulatory issues remain. Future research should focus on developing phage cocktails, improving environmental stability, optimizing delivery methods, and scaling up production for commercialization, ensuring widespread use of phage-based biocontrol against Aeromonas.