Tag pathogens

A Trends in Microbiology paper posits that ocean microplastics could be a vector for pathogens, spreading antimicrobial-resistant genes. 

Authors discuss the mechanisms of competitive exclusion of pathogens to improve selection and application of probiotics in shrimp aquaculture. 

Vibrio harveyi is a serious pathogen for several important maricultured fish and invertebrates in warm waters of Asia, southern Europe and South America. 

Organic acids and autolyzed yeast products can reduce the impact of pathogens like microorganisms, viruses, parasites and fungi, supporting performance and profitability. 

Shrimp hemocytes are an important defense against attacks by external agents such as viruses and bacteria. Health diets complement antibacterial action. 

Effective implementation of biosecurity protocols in shrimp farming requires awareness, discipline and a commitment by farm owners to implement them. The authors take a close look at intensive nurseries and how to exclude pathogens, predators and competitors. 

Gaskiya Diagnostics’ paper-based diagnostic test kits could allow fish farmers to test for disease-causing pathogens before they impact the entire stock. 

Bivalve shellfish culture is a low-impact form of protein production, and in many cases is a net-positive for water quality. So why move it indoors? Smit & Smit in the Netherlands has a good argument for doing so. 

Loop mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) is a highly specific technique that can amplify DNA in isothermal conditions. The kit can amplify the target gene of the pathogen using a single temperature and give results in one hour. 

Strategies to control Vibrio bacteria at aquaculture farms must revolve around limiting inputs, including those from postlarvae suppliers, those that come in with the water, those that remain in the soil between crops and those in the feed and accumulated organic matter. 

Control of Vibrio bacteria should focus on minimizing overall bacterial loads and the potential for horizontal transmission. The challenge for hatchery managers is identifying gaps in biosecurity and plugging them without creating niches for other potential pathogens. 

Biosecurity can be defined as the operating procedures that shrimp hatchery and farm personnel use to minimize the impacts of disease on their animals. Proper biosecurity measures slow the movement of pathogens and protect unaffected areas. 

Most aquaculture farms rely on general strategies for biosecurity that implement protocols learned from others. Establishing effective biosecurity, however, can be complicated due to multiple interacting variables. 

The quality of postlarvae supplied by a shrimp hatchery can vary considerably. Common myths, such as acceptance of low survival and insufficient concern for water quality, can contribute to lower animal quality. 

Disease outbreaks in shrimp occur not only due to the presence of pathogens, but also to suboptimal culture conditions and system management.