Antimicrobial resistance in aquaculture an overview of current status and possible solutions to the issue
- 1Faculty of Fisheries, Sher-e Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), Ganderbal, Jammu and Kashmir, 190006, India
- 2ICAR - Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Panch Marg, Yari Road, Mumbai, 400061, India
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has developed and spread throughout aquatic environments due to the increased use of antimicrobial chemicals in the aquaculture sector. The uses of AMR in aquaculture are thoroughly examined in this review paper, starting with the patterns in antibiotic use worldwide and by species, as well as how these factors contribute to the development of resistance. It reveals the ecological and genetic mechanisms of resistance, such as the survival of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in sediments and water bodies, biofilm formation, and horizontal gene transfer. While the transmission of resistant diseases through seafood, water, and occupational contact poses significant risks to public health, the environmental spread of antimicrobial residues and resistant bacteria also impacts biodiversity. Taking into account significant gaps in monitoring, enforcement, and inter-country harmonization, the review paper also evaluates current national and international standards for antibiotic treatment in aquaculture. In addition to cutting-edge tactics such as nanotechnology and precision aquaculture, other approaches, including vaccines, probiotics, prebiotics, phage therapy, and plant antimicrobials, are also considered in the fight against the threat posed by AMR. The application of biosecurity and best management practices (BMPs) to reduce antibiotic dependence, as well as the use of molecular surveillance methods such as metagenomics and quantitative PCR to monitor resistance development, is also covered. The review paper emphasizes a One Health strategy and the value of cooperation between the public health, veterinary, and environmental sectors in the fight against AMR. To improve sustainable, antibiotic-responsible aquaculture, future efforts will focus on capacity building, consumer education, policy harmonization, and research investments.
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BibTeX
@article{mushtaq2026antimicrobial,
title = {{Antimicrobial resistance in aquaculture an overview of current status and possible solutions to the issue}},
author = {Shafiya Mushtaq and Tasaduq Hussain Shah and Nahida Quyoom and Saima Jan and Lukram Sushil Singh and Gowhar Iqbal and Farooz Ahmad Bhat and Syed Talia Mushtaq and Ishrat Mohd},
journal = {Discover Environment},
year = {2026},
month = may,
doi = {10.1007/s44274-026-00773-6},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1007/s44274-026-00773-6},
note = {CC BY-NC-ND},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Antimicrobial resistance in aquaculture an overview of current status and possible solutions to the issue
AU - Shafiya Mushtaq
AU - Tasaduq Hussain Shah
AU - Nahida Quyoom
AU - Saima Jan
AU - Lukram Sushil Singh
AU - Gowhar Iqbal
AU - Farooz Ahmad Bhat
AU - Syed Talia Mushtaq
AU - Ishrat Mohd
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/05/28
JO - Discover Environment
DO - 10.1007/s44274-026-00773-6
UR - https://doi.org/10.1007/s44274-026-00773-6
AB - Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has developed and spread throughout aquatic environments due to the increased use of antimicrobial chemicals in the aquaculture sector. The uses of AMR in aquaculture are thoroughly examined in this review paper, starting with the patterns in antibiotic use worldwide and by species, as well as how these factors contribute to the development of resistance. It reveals the ecological and genetic mechanisms of resistance, such as the survival of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in sediments and water bodies, biofilm formation, and horizontal gene transfer. While the transmission of resistant diseases through seafood, water, and occupational contact poses significant risks to public health, the environmental spread of antimicrobial residues and resistant bacteria also impacts biodiversity. Taking into account significant gaps in monitoring, enforcement, and inter-country harmonization, the review paper also evaluates current national and international standards for antibiotic treatment in aquaculture. In addition to cutting-edge tactics such as nanotechnology and precision aquaculture, other approaches, including vaccines, probiotics, prebiotics, phage therapy, and plant antimicrobials, are also considered in the fight against the threat posed by AMR. The application of biosecurity and best management practices (BMPs) to reduce antibiotic dependence, as well as the use of molecular surveillance methods such as metagenomics and quantitative PCR to monitor resistance development, is also covered. The review paper emphasizes a One Health strategy and the value of cooperation between the public health, veterinary, and environmental sectors in the fight against AMR. To improve sustainable, antibiotic-responsible aquaculture, future efforts will focus on capacity building, consumer education, policy harmonization, and research investments.
SN - 2731-9431
ER -