Probiotics in Aquaculture: Native Isolates, Mechanisms, and Applications

Intensive aquaculture practices over the past few years have had a positive impact on increased production. However, aquaculture activities face serious challenges in the form of increased disease and a decline in the quality of the aquaculture environment, often addressed by the use of antibiotics and synthetic chemicals. The resulting effects of this use lead to antimicrobial resistance and the development of harmful residues, prompting the search for more environmentally friendly alternatives. The use of probiotics can be chosen as an alternative strategy to antibiotics in aquaculture. Exploration of naturally sourced probiotic candidate bacteria is much more recommended since they have the ability to survive, persist, and work effectively compared to bacteria isolated from other sources. Natural probiotics have similar mechanisms of action, including intestinal colonization, probiotic exclusion competition, antibacterial compound secretion, increased enzyme activity, immune system function, and organic matter breakdown. These mechanisms help increase animal resilience to environmental stress and prevent intestinal inflammation.