DISEASES & AMR
Fish Diseases and Antimicrobial Resistance
Research Line 2 (RL2) of the INCAR² Center addresses one of the greatest challenges for sustainable aquaculture: the control of infectious fish diseases and the growing antimicrobial resistance (AMR), in a context of climate change, productive intensification and a One Health approach.
FOCUS
Its central contribution is to generate scientific knowledge and technological solutions that reduce dependence on antibiotics, improve animal health and mitigate the environmental and sanitary impacts associated with aquaculture. RL2 is based on INCAR's solid track record in the study of emerging and endemic pathogens of Chilean salmon farming, such as the agents of tenacibaculosis, Aeromonas salmonicida, Piscirickettsia salmonis and others, as well as the comprehensive analysis of the molecular and ecological mechanisms that explain the emergence, persistence and dissemination of AMR in aquatic environments.
RESEARCH LINE
Main Objectives
- 01
Understand the mechanisms of pathogenicity, virulence and resistance of pathogens relevant to Chilean salmon farming and strengthen the surveillance of emerging diseases.
- 02
Develop immunological products and non-pharmacological strategies (functional additives, phages, natural compounds) for the prevention and control of infectious diseases.
- 03
Create innovative, rapid and low-cost diagnostic methods, suitable for field use in freshwater and marine farming systems.
- 04
Generate experimental and advanced diagnostic services oriented to the productive sector.
- 05
Characterize antimicrobial resistance in farmed fish, wild fish and environments associated with aquaculture, identifying resistance genes, mobile genetic elements and susceptibility patterns.
TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER
Technological applications and projection
RL2 has a clear orientation toward transferring results to the public and private sector, with concrete applications such as:
- 01
Multiplex molecular diagnostic platforms for rapid identification of pathogens and variants.
- 02
AMR and resistome monitoring tools, including biomarkers that support sanitary decision-making and the responsible rotation of antimicrobial therapies.
- 03
New feed additives with immunostimulant and antibacterial potential.
- 04
Services for the determination of epidemiological cut-off values (ECOV) and antimicrobial susceptibility evaluation, essential to prevent therapeutic failures.
PROJECTION
A benchmark in aquaculture animal health
With an interdisciplinary approach, national and international collaborations and a strong scientific-technological base, RL2 positions INCAR² as a benchmark in aquaculture animal health and antimicrobial resistance management, contributing directly to a more responsible, resilient aquaculture aligned with the principles of sustainability and integral health.