Journal of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences
(ISSN: 2659 – 0743)
Volume 8, No. 1, 2026
Pages 41-66
DOI: 10.36108/jvbs/6202.80.0140
A Review of Streptococcus agalactiae and its Antimicrobial Resistance Potentials in Nigerian Tilapia Fish Production
Adetona Mutiat Adenike1, Akorede Farhan Rhidor2,3, Lawal Zainab Damilola4, Omotoso Rodiat Olabisi5, Ghali Muhammad Ibraheem1 and Odetokun Ismail Ayoade1
1Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ilorin, Nigeria, P.M.B 1515, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria
2Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Usman Danfodio University, Sokoto, P.M.B. 2346, Sokoto, Sokoto State, Nigeria
3Afana Animal Futures, Zaria, Kaduna, Nigeria
4 Department of Theriogenology and Production, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ilorin, P.M.B 1515, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria
5Department of Statistics, Faculty of Physical sciences, University of Ilorin, P.M.B 1515, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria
ABSTRACT
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant global threat to public health, undermining the stability of aquaculture, food security, and human health. Annually, bacterial AMR is directly responsible for over one million deaths and associated with more than 3 million deaths globally, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. In Nigeria, aquaculture production is a major contributor to food security, and Oreochromis niloticus (tilapia) is one of the most cultured fish species in the country. Streptococcus agalactiae (S. agalactiae) has been identified as a major pathogen in tilapia farming. It is a zoonotic bacterium that has been reported to cause severe economic losses in tilapia production. The pathogen demonstrates increasing resistance to commonly used antibiotics and has the potential to transfer resistant determinants across populations. This review provides a comprehensive study of S. agalactiae in tilapia farming in Nigeria. It explores the nature of bacterial infection in Nigeria, its epidemiology, risk factors, and potential for global resistance. It also describes effective mitigation strategies to prevent infection and the spread of S. agalactiae resistance in tilapia farming in Nigeria. The prevalence of S. agalactiae in tilapia worldwide ranges from 5% to 60%, resulting in mass mortalities of up to 90%. Overstocking, poor biosecurity, and water quality management are among the risk factors for the infection, and effective mitigation strategies for AMR include the use of non-antibiotic alternatives, farm management and biosecurity implementation, and policy recommendations. This review recommends implementing a One-Health framework to mitigate the spread of this infection.
Keywords: Streptococcus agalactiae, Antimicrobial resistance, Tilapia, Nigeria, Risk factors, One-Health.