Environmental and host determinants of vibriophage efficacy in aquaculture: A meta-analysis

Vibriophages offer a sustainable biocontrol strategy to combat Vibrio spp. infections in aquaculture systems. However, their efficacy is highly dependent on environmental factors such as pH and temperature. This study conducts a meta-analysis of 17 peer-reviewed studies to evaluate the impact of environmental variables on vibriophage replication dynamics and infectivity using mixed-effects regression models. Key virological parameters analyzed include burst size, latent period, and phage viability. Results indicate that vibriophage infectivity peaks at temperatures of 25–30 °C and pH 6–8, but declines under extreme conditions due to capsid instability and reduced bacterial adsorption. Host specificity significantly influences burst size and latent period, emphasizing the need for multi-strain phage cocktails to enhance efficacy. Vibrio campbellii exhibited the highest burst size (172 particles/cell) and the longest latent period (90 min), while Vibrio parahaemolyticus had a shorter replication cycle. Phage morphology also affects replication dynamics, with Siphoviridae exhibiting significantly longer latent periods (p = 0.007). A comparative analysis with probiotics and ecological engineering contextualizes vibriophage-based strategies within sustainable aquaculture. This study underscores the necessity for tailored phage formulations and adaptive deployment strategies to optimize efficacy across diverse aquaculture environments. Future research should focus on phage encapsulation technologies, regulatory standardization, and long-term ecological risk assessments to ensure biosafety and sustainable implementation of phage therapy in the aquaculture industry.