Bacteriophage Interactions with Marine Pathogenic Vibrios: Implications for Phage Therapy

Area of Science:

• Marine microbiology
• Aquatic animal health
• Antimicrobial resistance

Background:

• Vibrios are globally distributed in aquatic ecosystems, posing significant threats to human and animal health.
• Vibriosis outbreaks are increasing in aquaculture due to industry growth, with antibiotics being the primary treatment.
• Widespread antibiotic use raises concerns about the development and spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the potential of lytic bacteriophages as therapeutic agents against Vibrio infections in aquaculture.
• To discuss the challenges and opportunities for implementing phage therapy as an alternative to antibiotics.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of scientific and technological aspects of bacteriophage therapy for vibriosis.
• Analysis of current challenges and future research needs for phage-based treatments.

Main Results:

• Bacteriophage therapy presents a viable alternative for both treating and preventing vibriosis.
• Several scientific and technological hurdles must be overcome for commercial viability.

Conclusions:

• Phage therapy holds significant promise as a sustainable alternative to antibiotics in aquaculture.
• Further research is crucial to develop reliable and reproducible phage-based treatments for vibriosis.