Biochemical changes and tissue distribution of Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP) in naturally and experimentally EHP‐infected whiteleg shrimp,Litopenaeus vannamei (Boone, 1931), in India |
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| Authors: | S Santhoshkumar S Sivakumar S Vimal S Abdul Majeed G Taju P Haribabu A Uma A S Sahul Hameed |
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| Affiliation: | 1. OIE Reference Laboratory for WTD, Department of Zoology, C. Abdul Hakeem College, Melvisharam, Tamil 2. Nadu, India;3. Biomolecules Division, School of Biosciences and Technology, VIT University, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India;4. Department of Aquatic Animal Health Management, College of Fishery Science, S.V.V. University, Mutukur, Andhra Pradesh, India;5. Fisheries Research and Extension Centre, Tamil Nadu Fisheries University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India |
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| Abstract: | Stunted growth in pond‐reared Litopenaeus vannamei was observed in different farms located in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, India. No mortality was associated with stunted growth. PCR assay on these samples revealed the presence of Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP) in stunted shrimp. Tissue distribution of EHP in naturally and experimentally infected shrimp was studied by PCR and histology. Histological examination revealed the presence of EHP in hepatopancreas and gut, but not in other organs. The PCR assay revealed the presence of EHP in all the organs tested in both naturally and experimentally infected shrimp. Healthy shrimp were challenged with E. hepatopenaei by intramuscular injection and oral route, and no mortality was observed in both routes after 30 days post‐challenge. Different developmental stages of the microsporidian parasite were observed in the hepatopancreatic epithelial cells. Biochemical parameters such as total protein, albumin, aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase were measured in the haemolymph of naturally and experimentally EHP‐infected shrimp. All biochemical parameters mentioned were found to be significantly higher in EHP‐infected shrimp when compared to normal shrimp. This is the first report relating AST and ALT levels to EHP infection in naturally and experimentally infected shrimp. |
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| Keywords: | biochemical analysis
Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei
experimental infection histology
Litopenaeus vannamei
PCR assay |
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