Enhancing Pacific white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei, health and immunity through diets supplemented with indigenous Bacteriophage: Implications for Vibrio parahaemolyticus infections
Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a major bacterial pathogen of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) and is associated with acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND), highlighting the need for sustainable alternatives to antibiotics. This study evaluated indigenous bacteriophages as dietary biocontrol agents to enhance shrimp immunity and resistance to V. parahaemolyticus. Two lytic phages, vB_Vpa_Lvi and vB_Vpa_Lvh, were isolated from the intestine and hepatopancreas of L. vannamei, respectively, and characterised for plaque and virion morphology, replication characteristics, in vitro lytic activity, and environmental stability. The phages were freeze-dried and incorporated into commercial feed at 5 g kg?¹, and shrimp were subsequently challenged with V. parahaemolyticus. Phage supplementation enhanced several cellular, humoral, and antioxidant responses following infection. vB_Vpa_Lvi produced the highest total haemocyte count, whereas vB_Vpa_Lvh generally elicited stronger phagocytic, transglutaminase, lysozyme, prophenoloxidase, respiratory burst, SOD, and GPx responses. Most importantly, cumulative mortality following V. parahaemolyticus challenge decreased from 82% in the untreated control to 37% and 40% in the vB_Vpa_Lvi and vB_Vpa_Lvh groups, corresponding to survival rates of 18%, 63%, and 60%, respectively. These findings show that dietary administration of indigenous bacteriophages can support innate and antioxidant defenses and substantially improve L. vannamei resistance to V. parahaemolyticus. The two phages therefore represent promising candidates for development as sustainable phage-based functional feed additives for shrimp aquaculture.
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