What is the primary treatment for Aeromonas infections in food fish?

The primary treatment for Aeromonas infections in food fish is oxytetracycline. This antibiotic is effective against a wide range of aquatic bacterial pathogens, including Aeromonas species, which are known to cause significant morbidity and mortality in fish populations. Oxytetracycline has the advantage of being administered in feed or water, which is practical for treating large numbers of fish in aquaculture settings.

This treatment choice is particularly suitable because oxytetracycline can inhibit the growth of Gram-negative bacteria like Aeromonas, allowing for the control of the infection and improvement of fish health. It also has a relatively good safety profile in food fish, making it a preferred option for aquaculturists aiming to minimize the impact of bacterial diseases while maintaining food safety standards.

Other antibiotics listed, such as amikacin and penicillin, have limited effectiveness against the specific types of bacteria associated with Aeromonas infections in fish. Bacitracin is also not typically used to treat systemic infections in food fish, as it is primarily effective against Gram-positive bacteria and is used more for prevention rather than treatment of established infections. Thus, oxytetracycline stands out as the most appropriate choice for addressing Aeromonas infections in aquaculture.