Document Type : Review
Authors
1
Institute of Tropical Aquaculture and Fisheries, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21300 Kuala Nerus, Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia
2
Faculty of Fisheries and Marine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Jawa Timur 60115, Indonesia
3
Institute of Tropical Aquaculture and Fisheries, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21300 Kuala Nerus, Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia; Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21300 Kuala Nerus, Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia
Abstract
Hepatopancreatic microsporidiosis (HPM), caused by Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP), has resulted in significant financial losses in aquaculture worldwide. This disease can infect a wide range of hosts, including both freshwater and brackish water aquatic animals. The most common clinical signs of EHP infection include reduced feeding, growth retardation, lethargy, soft shells, an empty midgut, and chronic mortality in severe cases. Currently, antibiotics are used as prophylactic agents to manage microsporidiosis in aquaculture. However, the use of antibiotics has contributed to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and antibiotic residues may pose risks to public health. As a result, natural antimicrobials are being explored as alternative solutions to mitigate the impact of microsporidiosis, offering farmers safer and more sustainable options for maintaining the health of aquaculture species. This review elaborates on the life cycle, characteristics, physiological signs, and histopathological alterations of microsporidian infection in shrimp. It also discusses transmission and biochemical impact of EHP infection in shrimp aquaculture. Finally, it examines recent approaches for controlling EHP, with a focus on the potential use of natural antimicrobials as alternatives to chemical treatments and antibiotics, which are rarely addressed in previous review papers, underscore the significance and novelty of this study.
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