Abstract
Aquaculture has become one of the fastest-growing food sectors globally, but its expansion is increasingly challenged by bacterial disease outbreaks and the rising threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). As conventional antibiotic treatments lose effectiveness, bacteriophage therapy – the use of viruses that selectively infect and lyse bacteria – has emerged as a promising alternative. Phages offer high specificity, minimal environmental impact, and proven efficacy against multidrug-resistant pathogens. This review provides an updated synthesis of current knowledge on the application of bacteriophages and phage-derived products, such as lysins and tail-like bacteriocins, in aquaculture systems. We explore their mechanisms of action, therapeutic advantages, and outcomes from experimental and field trials against key pathogens, including Aeromonas hydrophila, Vibrio harveyi, Edwardsiella tarda, and Streptococcus iniae. Importantly, phage therapy aligns with the One Health framework, which emphasizes the interdependence of human, animal, and environmental health. By reducing the use of antibiotics in aquatic farming, phage applications can help curb the spread of AMR, protect water ecosystems, and enhance food safety. Despite its potential, challenges such as phage resistance, endotoxin release, intracellular pathogen targeting, and standardization gaps must be addressed for broader adoption. We conclude by outlining future research priorities, including genome-guided phage selection, optimized delivery systems, and the need for standardized efficacy testing. Phage therapy thus represents a sustainable and integrative approach to aquatic disease management and global public health.