Exploring the Impact of Probiotics on the Gut Ecosystem and Morpho-Histology in Fish: Current Knowledge of Tilapia

Abstract

As global demand for fish as a food source continues to rise, addressing challenges within the aquaculture industry and meeting consumer needs becomes imperative. Enhancing fish growth and safeguarding against microbial pathogens are among these challenges. Understanding the intestinal microbiome holds promise for achieving these goals and benefiting the aquaculture sector with a particular focus on tilapia, which has gained increased attention in recent research. Probiotics, live microorganisms administered at appropriate levels, can foster a balanced gut microbiota in animals. This can yield advantages like pathogen defence, improved digestion, enhanced growth, and increased survival rates in Tilapia. Probiotics are emerging as tools to promote healthy intestinal environments in Tilapia and other fish species, with potential to positively influence gut structure, ecosystem, growth, and disease resistance. The dynamic interplay between tilapia and their intestinal microbiota has garnered significant attention, affecting tilapia's health, performance, and overall well-being. This review compiles research findings on the influence of probiotics on tilapia intestinal ecosystems, morpho-histological structures, and enzymatic activities. It outlines their impact on gut microbiota composition in tilapia, demonstrating their ability to increase beneficial bacteria while reducing pathogenic strains. Probiotics can enhance intestinal morphology in tilapia, promoting villi development, goblet cell density, and mucous layer thickness. Additionally, they influence digestive enzyme activity in tilapia, resulting in improved nutrient absorption and tilapia growth. Although this field is continually evolving, the progress in deciphering probiotics' complex interactions with tilapia guts underscores their potential benefits in advancing tilapia aquaculture practices.