Culture-Independent molecular techniques for bacterial detection in bivalves

Bivalves, essential to aquatic ecosystems and human consumption, host diverse bacterial communities that traditional culture-based methods struggle to detect, particularly unculturable and fastidious bacteria. This review highlights advancements in culture-independent molecular techniques for bacterial detection in bivalves, focusing on methods such as Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), quantitative PCR (qPCR), and next-generation sequencing (NGS), which enable rapid and sensitive identification of diverse bacterial populations. These molecular approaches are instrumental in detecting both pathogenic and symbiotic bacteria, thereby enhancing disease management in aquaculture and safeguarding public health. Comparative insights are provided into the limitations of traditional methods, with molecular techniques offering superior detection of a broader microbial spectrum. Practical applications in aquaculture are discussed through case studies, showcasing these tools’ value in monitoring bacterial diversity and managing disease outbreaks. The review further addresses emerging technologies, such as CRISPR-based diagnostics and portable sequencing, which hold promise for real-time, on-site bacterial monitoring. By promoting efficient and comprehensive bacterial detection, these evolving molecular techniques present forward-looking solutions for sustaining and improving bivalve aquaculture productivity. This review encourages continued research and innovation to address current challenges and harness the full potential of these advanced methodologies.