Quorum sensing and quenching as integrated strategies for antimicrobial resistance mitigation in aquaculture: Applications and future directions

Abstract

ABSTRACT The rapid expansion of aquaculture has been accompanied by an increased prevalence of bacterial diseases, leading to widespread antibiotic use and the accelerated emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Rising water temperatures and environmental stressors further exacerbate pathogen proliferation and disease outbreaks, posing significant threats to global aquaculture productivity and sustainability. Quorum sensing (QS), a bacterial cell-to-cell communication system, plays a central role in regulating virulence factor expression, biofilm formation, and AMR-related pathways in aquatic pathogens. Consequently, disrupting QS through quorum quenching (QQ) has emerged as a promising alternative to conventional antibiotic-based treatments. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the mechanisms underlying QS and its role in AMR development in aquaculture systems. It highlights various QQ strategies, including enzymatic degradation of signaling molecules, competitive inhibition using small-molecule quorum sensing inhibitors, and the application of probiotic organisms capable of interfering with QS pathways. Evidence from recent studies demonstrates that QQ can effectively reduce virulence, enhance antibiotic sensitivity, and lower the required dosage of antimicrobial agents. Despite its potential, the implementation of QQ in aquaculture faces several challenges, including environmental stability, scalability, species-specific variability in QS systems, and regulatory concerns. Future research should focus on developing broad-spectrum, non-toxic, and environmentally stable QQ agents, as well as improving delivery systems for practical field applications. Overall, quorum quenching represents a promising, eco-friendly strategy to mitigate AMR, reduce antibiotic dependence, and enhance the sustainability of aquaculture systems worldwide