EN
Probiotic organisms are used in fish culture to accelerate growth, improve the absorption of nutrients, enhance immune resistance, and reduce negative effects of stress. Probiotic microorganisms used in aquaculture include gram positive bacteria (Lactobacillus, Lactococcus, Enterococcus, Carnobacterium, Streptococcus, Bacillus), gram negative bacteria (Shewanella, Aeromonas, Vibrio, Enterobacter, Pseudomonas), fungi (Saccharomyces, Debaryomyces, Phaffia), and algae (Tetraselmis). Probiotics increase the expression of cytokines and affect the cellular and humoral defence mechanisms of the host by increasing the activity of phagocytic cells, complement, and lisozyme level. Probiotic bacteria in the intestines stimulate the immune system through the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT). Probiotic bacteria can be used for protection against bacterial fish pathogens (Aeromonas salmonicida, Vibrio anguillarum, Vibrio ordalii, Yersinia ruckeri). Some publications also report anti-viral, anti-parasitic, and anti-fungal affect of probiotics. This study reviews the results of research on the efficiency of selected probiotics in various fish species. Probiotics may make it possible to achieve better results in fish culture without the need to use harmful and expensive chemotherapeutic products.