The Rising Tide of Antimicrobial Resistance in Aquaculture: Sources, Sinks and Solutions

Abstract

Abstract:As the human population increases there is an increasing reliance on aquaculture to supply a safe, reliable, and economic supply of food. Although food production is essential for a healthy population, an increasing threat to global human health is antimicrobial resistance. Extensive antibiotic resistant strains are now being detected; the spread of these strains could greatly reduce medical treatment options available and increase deaths from previously curable infections. Antibiotic resistance is widespread due in part to clinical overuse and misuse; however, the natural processes of horizontal gene transfer and mutation events that allow genetic exchange within microbial populations have been ongoing since ancient times. By their nature, aquaculture systems contain high numbers of diverse bacteria, which exist in combination with the current and past use of antibiotics, probiotics, prebiotics, and other treatment regimens-singularly or in combination. These systems have been designated as "genetic hotspots" for gene transfer. As our reliance on aquaculture grows, it is essential that we identify the sources and sinks of antimicrobial resistance, and monitor and analyse the transfer of antimicrobial resistance between the microbial community, the environment, and the farmed product, in order to better understand the implications to human and environmental health.

Antibacterial potential of phytochemicals alone or in combination with antimicrobials against fish pathogenic bacteria

“…A high incidence of bacteria resistant to the antimicrobials used in aquaculture as well as of multidrug-resistant bacteria has been found in fish farms and the surrounding aquatic environments (Watts et al 2017). Antimicrobial resistance in traditional fish farming systems has been intensively studied.…”

“…The use of inappropriate/unlicensed antimicrobials in aquaculture poses a risk to public health (Watts et al 2017). The combined therapy of conventional antimicrobials with phytochemicals has emerged as an alternative to achieve therapeutic success in cases of MAR.…”

The effect of β‐1,3‐glucan derived from Euglena gracilis (Algamune™) on the innate immunological responses of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.)

“…The use of feed additives to enhance the innate immune system is a strategy that aims to reduce the incidence of diseases, thereby overcoming the indiscriminate use of antibiotics and chemotherapeutics in aquaculture (Pohlenz & Gatlin, ; Sakai, ). The worldwide concern of developing bacterial strains resistant to antibiotics should be further stressed for aquacultural production because medicated feeds and antibiotics directly administered in the water can readily leach into the environment (Watts, Schreier, Lanska, & Hale, ). Therefore, the effective application of nonantibiotic feed additives to enhance immunity and reduce disease incidence continues to be explored.…”

Antibiotic Resistance Genes in Freshwater Trout Farms in a Watershed in Chile

“…The gene floR has been found in other aquaculture settings, including Chile, and has been found regardless of antibiotic use practices (Fernández‐Alarcón et al, 2010; Watts et al, 2017). This gene clustered very closely in the PCA with sul1 , sul2 , tet (A), and tet (C).…”