Functional compounds for sustainable control of infectious diseases in meagre (Argyrosomus regius) aquaculture: a review

Meagre (Argyrosomus regius) is an emerging species in Mediterranean aquaculture with high growth potential and commercial value. However, as production intensifies, disease outbreaks and stress-related pathologies have become significant constraints, leading to mortality and economic losses. Disease management is particularly challenging because no vaccines are currently authorised for meagre, and regulatory restrictions, environmental concerns, and potential physiological side effects limit chemotherapeutic interventions. Although antibiotics remain available for therapeutic use, increasing regulatory pressure and the global concern over antimicrobial resistance necessitate alternative health management strategies. This review provides a comprehensive and updated synthesis of the main diseases affecting the species and the limitations of conventional chemotherapeutic approaches. Special attention is given to nutritional strategies for enhancing host resilience. The available evidence on functional nutritional strategies evaluated in meagre is critically examined, including protein-based components (whole and hydrolyzed proteins), targeted nutrient supplementation (amino acids, vitamins, trace minerals, phospholipids, and nucleotides), probiotics, and bioactive-rich ingredients such as algae-derived products. Current evidence suggests that these strategies may modulate oxidative status, immune-related biomarkers, stress responses, and intestinal health; however, direct evidence linking these effects to improved disease resistance and survival in meagre remains limited. Furthermore, the scarcity of pathogen-challenge studies and long-term commercial-scale validations highlights important knowledge gaps that still need to be addressed. By consolidating recent advances and identifying priority research areas, this review contributes to the development of sustainable, and species-specific health management strategies for meagre aquaculture.