Potential application of bacteriocins for sustainable aquaculture

Abstract

The emergence and prevalence of bacterial pathogens in freshwater aquaculture systems is a growing concern as the economic losses associated with diseases are mounting and impacting the fishery sector. One way of controlling fish mortality and morbidity is using bacteriocin‐secreting probiotics, which are generally considered safe without any adverse effects that usually accompany other treatment strategies. Understanding the mode of action of bacteriocin on pathogens is vital for considering them suitable for application as a prophylactic in aquaculture. Although several measures such as antibiotic treatment, chemotherapy, vaccination, etc., are available, though not without concerns, these methods have limitations for field‐level applications since they result in several adverse effects both for the animals and the aquatic environment affecting several species in the food chain. In this situation, the use of bacteriocin can be an excellent alternative to minimize the disease burden in freshwater aquaculture if delivered appropriately. Here, we provide an update on the various bacteriocins and their mode of action against important pathogens encountered in aquaculture.

Antimicrobial resistance in fish pathogens and alternative risk mitigation strategies

“…CRISPR‐based technology called Guided Biotics has been developed by a UK‐based biotechnology company to combat pathogens and has now been extended to the aquaculture industry to control bacterial diseases (https://foliumscience.com/). Use of bacteriocins in sustainable aquaculture have also been widely studied 121 . Several naturally occurring antimicrobial peptides and their synthetic derivatives have been studied for their activity against many bacterial pathogens affecting aquacultured animals 122–126 .…”

“…Use of bacteriocins in sustainable aquaculture have also been widely studied. 121 Several naturally occurring antimicrobial peptides and their synthetic derivatives have been studied for their activity against many bacterial pathogens affecting aquacultured animals. [122][123][124][125][126] Extensive research is in progress towards development of newer and better delivery systems to enhance the biological properties of therapeutics for aquaculture use.…”

Garvicin Q: characterization of biosynthesis and mode of action

“…As alternatives to conventional antibiotics, vaccination of fish, bacteriophages or probiotic bacteria have been investigated for their potential to combat L. garvieae infection [17][18][19]. Another interesting approach is the application of antimicrobial peptides produced by bacteria, so called bacteriocins, in aquaculture systems [20].…”

Two Foreign Antimicrobial Peptides Expressed in the Chloroplast of Porphyridium purpureum Possessed Antibacterial Properties

“…Although aquaculture is currently the fastest growing global food industry, it is facing the serious threat of a high mortality of aquatic animals due to infectious diseases caused mainly by bacteria [ 1 , 2 ]. One of the most prominent and effective measures for addressing this threat involves the use of antibiotics, especially broad-spectrum antibiotics, which significantly affect both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.…”

“…However, high-yield intensive farming methods cannot avoid the abuse of antibiotics, which leads to the development of bacterial resistance. Disease pandemics caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria pose serious threats to animal and human health and cause major economic loss [ 2 ]. In fact, the European Union already announced a total ban on the use of antibiotics in feed in 2006.…”