Evaluating the effectiveness of Streptococcus parauberis bacteriophage Str-PAP-1 as an environmentally friendly alternative to antibiotics for aquaculture

S. parauberis is a major pathogenic bacterium that causes streptococcosis in farmed fish and often leads to mass mortality of farmed fish. In particular, streptococcosis caused by S. parauberis has continually increased in fish farming in Korea. Although various antibiotics have been used for the treatment of streptococcosis caused by S. parauberis, the efficacy of antibiotic-based treatment has continually decreased due to increased antibiotic resistance. The development of a new in-feed antibacterial agent that is safe, effective, and environmentally friendly is necessary. This study reports a bacteriophage that has potential as an in-feed alternative to antibiotics.