Current research on bacterial diseases in eel: An immunological perspective

9 pages, 5 figures, 1 table.-- Data availability: No data was used for the research described in the articl

Global eel production has dramatically increased over the last 30 years due to the expansion of eel farming to meet rising human food demands. More than 45 countries around the world were engaged in eel production with a total output of 277,103 tons and 2.67 billion eels traded internationally in recent decades. However the threat of disease in eel farming is much more severe compared to other aquaculture species, often causing significant economic losses. Among eel diseases, bacterial infections are considered the most severe, although parasitic, fungal, viral, and other types of pathogens also pose significant threats. Bacterial diseases are characterized by rapid onset and high infection rates, often resulting in up to 90 % losses in aquaculture eels. In this review, we provide an overview of bacterial diseases in eels, focusing on infections caused by Aeromonas, Edwardsiella, and Vibrio infections. In addition, we discuss the current prevention, control, and treatment programs of bacterial diseases in eels, including dietary interventions, pharmaceuticals, and probiotics. The review highlights the need for more in-depth research to better understand the mechanisms by which bacterial diseases in eel occurs and to develop effective prevention and treatment strategies. Finally, improved management practices and the development of new treatments will be critical to the sustainability of aquaculture and the health of farmed eel

This study was supported by the National Talent Recruitment Program (24030403699); Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation grant 2PID2020-113781RB-I00 “MicroMet” and by the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) grant 02030E004 “Interomics” to LR, and with funding from the Spanish government through the ‘Severo Ochoa Centre of Excellence’ accreditation (CEX2019-000928-S)

Peer reviewed