Bacterial diseases of tilapia, their zoonotic potential and risk of antimicrobial resistance

Authors

Olga L. M. Haenen, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research
Ha Thanh Dong, Asian Institute of Technology
Truong Dinh Hoai, Vietnam National University of Agriculture
Margaret Crumlish, University of Stirling
Iddya Karunasagar, Nitte University
Timothy Barkham, Tan Tock Seng Hospital
Swaine L. Chen, National University of Singapore
Ruth Zadoks, University of Sydney
Andreas Kiermeier, Statistical Process Improvement Consulting and Training Pty Ltd
Bing Wang, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Esther Garrido Gamarro, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
Masami Takeuchi, Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations
Mohammad Noor Amal Azma, Universiti Putra Malaysia
Belén Fouz, Universitat de València
Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center, Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center
Zeng Wei Wei, Foshan University
Melba G. Bondad-Reantaso, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Date of this Version

8-10-2022

Citation

Rev Aquac. 2023;15(Suppl. 1):154–185. DOI: 10.1111/raq.12743

Comments

Open access.

Abstract

Tilapia culture is an important source of income and nutrition to many rural families. Since 2000, the production of tilapia increased and reached domestic and global markets. Major farmed species is Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), in earthen ponds and cage cultures. Intensification contributed to global tilapia disease outbreaks, with bacterial infections causing mortalities and morbidities, threatening sustainable production. At tilapia farms, high nutrient concentrations, water temperature and fish densities enhance bacterial growth including virulent bacterial clones and potential zoonotic bacteria. Global warming favours this. This review respectively provides a comprehensive overview of the most common and emerging bacterial pathogens, diseases, clinical presentations and diagnostics of tilapia, including bacteria and diseases with zoonotic potential. First, common bacterial disease outbreaks, including streptococcosis, motile Aeromonas septicaemia, francisellosis, columnaris disease and vibriosis are described. Then, information on emerging bacterial infections of concern for tilapia, like edwardsiellosis through Edwardsiella ictaluri and E. tarda, as well as Aeromonas schubertii is provided. Reports of infectious bacterial tilapia disease outbreaks from other bacteria, including Lactococcus garvieae, Aerococcus viridans, Pseudomonas spp., Mycobacterium marinum and Chlamydia spp., and others are reviewed. Furthermore, bacteria with zoonotic potential, like Streptococcus agalactiae ST283, S. iniae, Aeromonas sp., E. tarda, Vibrio vulnificus pathovar (pv) piscis and M. marinum are included in the review, to provide the most current overview of the disease risks affecting production and post-harvest stages. Additionally, the status and risks of antimicrobial resistance in bacteria from tilapia and other cultured fish through imprudent use of antibiotics, and its future at a global level are provided.