With the threat caused by Acute Hepatopancreatic Necrosis Disease (AHPND) remaining a concern in the shrimp industry, an initiative to understand Vibrio infections is underway. This could pave the way for the development of targeted strategies to manage bacterial outbreaks in shrimp farming.
Outbreaks caused by AHPND have been documented in various countries including the Philippines. The disease was first recorded in the country in 2015 and has since spread nationwide. Globally, AHPND results in economic losses underscoring its virulence and rapid spread. Recognized as a disease of global concern, it has been listed as notifiable by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH).
AHPND is also known as Early Mortality Syndrome. Following its namesake, cases of AHPND have been reported to cause up to 100% mortality in shrimp within 20–30 days of stocking. This is causing major economic concerns affecting viral aquaculture species like the giant tiger prawn (Penaeus monodon) and whiteleg shrimp (P. vannamei).
To address this issue, the project, “Role of Type VI Secretion System (T6SS) during Shrimp Infection of Vibrio spp.-causing AHPND,” under the Manila Economic and Cultural Office-Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (MECO-TECO) Program plans to study the different types of bacteria that cause AHPND. It focuses on understanding how T6SS, a system used by the bacteria, helps in the infection of shrimps. The project is funded by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD).
Through its implementation, the project has made significant strides in understanding Vibrio strains responsible for APHND. The study completed the genome sequencing of four strains: Vibrio parahaemolyticus PH1339 and PH1273, as well as Vibrio campbellii PH1401 and PH1409. These genetic blueprints provide critical insights into the bacteria's behavior and evolution.
In addition, the team conducted comparative genome and phylogenetic analysis to explore the association between AHPND and T6SS. According to the project team, understanding the T6SS could open new disease management pathways.
Within three years, the research holds promise in providing information in developing highly specific disease control measures for the aquaculture industry.