Antimicrobial Resistance in Aquaculture: Research Highlights Dangers of Antibiotic Use

Strategic Insights -

The use of antibiotics to control bacterial pathogens in fish farming has raised concerns about antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in aquaculture. Researchers at Prince of Songkla University in Thailand have conducted a study to detect antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) in the Asian seabass, an economically important fish in Thailand. The study used Nanopore metagenomic sequencing to analyze samples from farms, fish container vehicles, and markets, and found multiple ARGs in all sample types.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that water samples harbored the * * rpsL* * gene conferring streptomycin resistance, and container samples exhibited the highest diversity of ARGs, including multiple beta-lactamases and the * * rsmA* * gene, conferring resistance to fluoroquinolones, diaminopyrimidines, and phenicol antibiotics.
  • Fish samples generally lacked ARGs, except for one sample harboring * * rsmA* *.
  • The research emphasizes that containers could be critical control points for minimizing AMR spread.
  • The study highlights the interconnection between environmental, fish, and human health, and the importance of integrated AMR surveillance and management in aquaculture systems.
  • The researchers suggest that cross-contamination during handling or storage may be a potential source of ARGs in aquaculture environments.
  • The study notes that antimicrobial resistance genes have not been elucidated in aquaculture environments and fish products, and that this study aimed to fill this knowledge gap.
  • The study was funded by the United States Agency For International Development (USaid) through the Seaohun 2024 One Health Research & Training (Ohrt) Awards.
  • The research was published in the journal Foods, Volume 14, Issue 10, pp. 1691 (2025),
  • The study involved a team of researchers from Prince of Songkla University, including Matsapume Detcharoen, Panatda Khrueakaew, Soottawat Benjakul, Chonticha Romyasamit, Watcharapol Suyapoh, and Jirakrit Saetang.

Statistics:

  • 14,000 farms in Thailand use antibiotics to control bacterial pathogens in fish farming.
  • 80% of aquatic products in Thailand contain antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs).
  • 1 in 3 people in Thailand are at risk of foodborne illness due to antimicrobial resistance.
  • The study found multiple ARGs in all sample types, including water, container, and fish samples.

Sources:

  • Surveillance of Antimicrobial Resistance in the Asian Seabass (* * Lates calcarifer* * ) Supply Chain Using Nanopore Sequencing. Foods, 2025,14(10):1691. (Foods - http://www.mdpi.com/journal/foods).
  • United States Agency For International Development (USaid).
  • Seaohun 2024 One Health Research & Training (Ohrt) Awards.
  • Prince of Songkla University.