Bacterial probiotics over antibiotics: A boon to aquaculture (Chapter 14)

Abstract

Aquaculture is an important economic activity and one of the fastest developing food sectors in the world. The massive expansion of the aquaculture industry in the recent decade has been accompanied by environmental impacts leading to disease and deterioration of the culture conditions. The indiscriminate use of antibiotics to control disease outbreaks has resulted in emergence of numerous antibiotic-resistant bacteria. An alternative proposed treatment is the use of effective eco-friendly microbes, known as "probiotics." This chapter explores the contemporary understanding of the use of probiotics and their mechanisms to control aquatic pathogens. The article gives an insight on the development and present use of probionts in aquaculture, providing avenues for future research and development in this field.