Tag AHPND

A study was conducted to measure the effects of commercial probiotics on Pacific white shrimp in a standardized AHPND challenge model under controlled laboratory conditions. Results show that the probiotics treatments by themselves have beneficial effects, such as higher survival and histological signs of hepatopancreas regeneration. 

Early Mortality Syndrome has devastated farmed shrimp in Asia and Latin America. With better understanding of the pathogen and the development and improvement of novel strategies, shrimp farmers are now able to better manage the disease. 

In analyzing the plasmid sequence from the whole genome sequences of AHPND V. parahaemolyticus (V.p) isolates, researchers identified a clear geographical variation within the plasmid, and developed PCR methods to characterize AHPND V.p isolates as either Mexico-type or Southeast Asia-type. 

A study confirmed the utility for improved polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection of the Vibrio bacteria that cause acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND) in asymptomatic shrimp by permitting the shrimp to expire and decompose for several hours prior to preservation and PCR processing. 

Selection for disease resistance has been used in breeding farm animals and can be a viable option to deal with white spot syndrome and acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease in commercial shrimp culture. In trials, heritability for AHPND resistance was low, while that for WSS was moderate. 

To help minimize economic losses caused by acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease, timely detection of its pathogenic Vibrio etiological agent plays a critical part in disease management. A portable device with accompanying polymerase chain reaction assays can quickly identify the AHPND markers in shrimp, water, live feed or other sources. 

Real-time, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis has become an attractive alternative for quantification of the acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND) pathogen in infected shrimp. The authors developed a qPCR assay to quantify a virulence plasmid harbored by the bacterium that causes AHPND. 

The authors recently performed a study to evaluate immunity to white spot syndrome virus and virulent Vibrio parahaemolyticus in shrimp treated with a new mineral extract additive in pelletized feeds. 

The pathogenicity of early mortality syndrome in shrimp is likely regulated by quorum sensing, which allows the Vibrio bacteria that colonize shrimp guts to coordinate the release of the toxin that damages shrimp digestive systems.