Hepatopancreatic microsporidiosis in white shrimp penaeus vannamei: a current emerging disease

Abstract

Aquaculture plays a key role in meeting the growing global demand for food, and shrimp farming in particular plays an important role in the global economy and food security. However, the industry faces formidable challenges, mainly attributed to disease outbreaks. The objective of this review was to reflect on hepatopancreatic microsporidiosis, taxonomy, biological cycle, transmission and diagnosis as an emerging pathology that affects the white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei. A descriptive bibliographic review study was carried out, with a qualitative and exploratory approach, through the search of scientific articles, books and government documents relevant to the topic of shrimp farming and hepatopancreatic microsporidiosis (HPM). The microsporidium parasite Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei infects the hepatopancreas of its host and causes hepatopancreatic microsporidiosis, a condition that has been associated with slow animal growth and large economic losses. This review addresses the biology and pathophysiology of this disease, the dynamics of transmission and infection by this pathogenic agent and practical control measures that are being applied to limit its negative impact on shrimp farming.