WWW.WA S .ORG • WORLD AQUACULTURE • SEP TEMBER 2022 27 the targeted bacteria, then build a bacteriophage collection sensitive to the chosen pathogen. We ensure the phages are virulent and undergo a lytic lifecycle and their stability, efficacy and resilience are checked. Based on the data, we select the best phages and design a cocktail that ensures a product with expanded host range, high stability and fully characterized components. The phages used in our cocktails are all natural, as we do not genetically modify them. Thanks to many years’ of experience, we have been able to overcome technological, regulatory and development challenges and create high-quality products for industrial application. BAFADOR®: a Bacteriophage Solution to Help Control Aeromonas spp. and Pseudomonas spp. Infections BAFADOR® (Fig. 4) is a cocktail of bacteriophages active against Aeromonas spp. and Pseudomonas spp. bacteria. It contains five lytic phages that help maintain a beneficial microbiome balance against the disturbances caused by bacteria, including antibioticresistant ones. Because bacteriophages target only bacterial cells and are not dependent on the host organism, BAFADOR® is not species-specific and has proven efficient in various cultured fish such as carp and trout. It is administered by coating the feed with the recommended dosage, to ensure the fish ingests the preparation. Consequently, it has also proven to be effective in different production systems such as RAS, flow-through systems or pond rearing, as the direct method of application is not influenced by production system. As it is natural and biodegradable, there is no withdrawal period and it is completely safe for the cultured organisms, with no side effects. BAFADOR® is registered in India and is currently being sold as a feed additive. Field trials have shown that administration of BAFADOR® supported the animal’s immune and microbiome resilience, consequently resulting in 60-100 percent less incidence of mortality on farms. In a controlled study (Fig. 5), fish given BAFADOR® (T1) developed a strengthened immune system and balanced microbiome that helped reduce the impact of infection by 62.5 percent. Our Products Proteon Pharmaceuticals also has three products already registered and on the market for the poultry industry, BAFASAL®, BAFASAL+G® targeting Salmonella spp. and BAFACOL® targeting Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC). In addition, BAFACAM™, a bacteriophage preparation that helps control mastitis infection in dairy cows, is currently undergoing its regulatory pathway. For the aquaculture industry, we are co-developing with Skretting a product increasing resilience to Vibrio sp. bacteria in shrimp. Vibrio parahaemolyticus is the main cause of mortalities in shrimp production and results in big economical and production losses for the farmer. Shrimp production has increased exponentially in the last years and there are very little solutions tailored to shrimp species and production for disease control. Conclusion Bacteriophages are a tangible and effective alternative to antibiotics. The aquaculture industry is in need of solutions that can improve the health of fish and help reduce the economic impact of disease for the farmers. At Proteon Pharmaceuticals we recognize and praise the potential of phages as a solution tailored to aquatic species that can align with the sustainable and innovative values of the aquaculture industry. Notes Mara Thomas, Proteon Pharmaceuticals S.A., Tylna 3A, 90-364, Lodz, Poland mthomas@proteonpharma.com +48 571 799 897 References FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations). 2021. FAO Yearbook. Fishery and Aquaculture Statistics 2019/ FAO annuaire. Statistiques des pêches et de l’aquaculture 2019/ FAO anuario. Estadísticas de pesca y acuicultura 2019. Rome/ Roma, Itally. Murray, C.J., K.S. Ikuta, F. Sharara, L. Swetschinski, G.R. Aguilar, A. Gray, C. Han, C. Bisignano, P. Rao, E. Wool and S.C. Johnson. 2022. Global burden of bacterial antimicrobial resistance in 2019: a systematic analysis. The Lancet 399:629-655. FIGURE 5. BAFADOR® administered in feed for eight days before infection helps control the impact of disease caused by Aeromonas spp. and Pseudomonas spp. Bacteriophages are a tangible and effective alternative to antibiotics. The aquaculture industry is in need of solutions that can improve the health of fish and help reduce the economic impact of disease for the farmers. At Proteon Pharmaceuticals we recognize and praise the potential of phages as a solution tailored to aquatic species that can align with the sustainable and innovative values of the aquaculture industry.
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