Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei: A microsporidian in the midst of serious threat to shrimp aquaculture
Mukta Singh and Paramveer Singh
Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP) is a group of microorganisms belonging to microsporidia which is now classified as fungus. It was first reported in tiger shrimp in 2009 in Thailand. Shrimp farm industry in Southeast Asia have been reported gradually increasing cases of rigorous growth retardation in shrimp populations with high prevalence of microsporidian. Generally, there is absence of specific signs and symptoms in shrimp due to EHP infection but its association with growth retardation and white faeces syndrome (WFS) in shrimp has been reported. EHP is mainly restricted to tubule epithelial cells of hepatopancreas and it interferes with the digestion and absorption of food hampering the growth of shrimp. However, till now there is no drug recommended for the control of EHP infection in shrimp. This study reveals the occurrence and distribution of EHP in farms along with their pathogenecity, diagnosis and control measures in shrimp farms and hatcheries.
Mukta Singh, Paramveer Singh. Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei: A microsporidian in the midst of serious threat to shrimp aquaculture. J Entomol Zool Stud 2018;6(6):936-939.