Understanding the role of fish microbiota in disease resistance and immune function

Abstract

The interaction between fish and their relevant microbiota has been of significant concern in the study of aquatic biology, especially in its role in disease resistance and immune response. The microbiota, a community of bacteria, fungi, and viruses living on mucosal surfaces, including the skin, gills, and gut, is essential for physiological homeostasis and resistance to pathogen invasion. In recent years, discoveries in metagenomics and microbial ecology have shown that a balanced microbiota promotes immune responses by stimulating innate and adaptive immune systems, producing antimicrobial compounds, and regulating inflammatory pathways. On the other hand, microbial composition, usually affected by environmental stress, pollutants, or antibiotic excess, may result in dysbiosis, making them susceptible to infections and outbreaks of diseases. This paper will discuss the complex relationship between fish microbiota and immune responses, as well as the mechanisms by which microbial communities contribute to disease resistance. Also, it points to a new trend in microbiota modulation probiotics, prebiotics, and microbial transplantation as sustainable methods for enhancing fish health and aquaculture productivity. The study of these microbial-immune interactions holds great promise for improving fish welfare, promoting ecological stability, and developing novel disease management strategies in aquatic ecosystems.