Effects of probiotic Bacillus species in aquaculture – An overview

Abstract

The ingestion of a large amount of certain types of beneficial bacteria can reduce
the multiplication and development of pathogenic bacteria in the gut. A
“probiotic” is a product that contains live microorganisms which positively
influence the host intestinal microbiota by preventing the proliferation of
pathogenic bacteria and promoting the growth and development of beneficial
bacteria. Bacillus spp. are Gram-positive endospore-forming bacteria with
beneficial effects in aquaculture industry. The dietary supplementation of Bacillus
spp. in fish culture improved especially growth performance, immune response
and the disease resistance of fish against pathogenic bacterial infections. The
objective of the current paper is to review the recent published investigations
reported in the scientific literature on the use of probiotic Bacillus spp. in
aquaculture, focusing on their beneficial effects on the host. This review includes
the main effects of Bacillus spp. administration in shrimp culture, carp culture,
tilapia culture, and other fish culture.