Step back Vibrio: These shrimp have a fungal bodyguard.

With antibiotic use strife in aquaculture, Soowannayan et al. (2019) strives to find a more sustainable solution for tackling Vibrio infection in shrimp, through fungi. The study starts optimistically, with 25 of the 39 fungal isolates used displaying an ability to inhibit biofilm formation for all 7 Vibrio isolates tested against, under lab conditions. However, when supplemented into feed, only one fungal isolate, MCR55 from Oceanitis cincinnatula, provided shrimp with protection from necrosis disease (AHPND) caused by an isolate of V. parahaemolytious. This showed great success, resulting in a mean survival rate similar to those of unchallenged shrimp, highlighting the potential of this avenue.

This early screening has identified the antagonistic properties of O. cincinnatula. However, the mechanism by which this occurs remains unknown although they theorize it may be the result of disruption of bacterial quorum sensing, preventing formation of Vibrio biofilms within the shrimp’s stomach. It’s clear more research is needed to isolate and identify the key substance(s) involved in Vibrio inhibition, and whether this could provide a commercially viable alternative. This study really illustrates the potential for fungi as sources for antimicrobial products, which should be explored in greater depth.

Soowannayan, C., Chandra Teja, D.N., Yatip, P., Mazumder, F.Y., Krataitong, K., Unagul, P., Suetrong, S., Preedanon, S., Klaysuban, A., Sakayaroj, J., Sangtiean, T. (2019). Vibrio biofilm inhibitors screened from marine fungi protect shrimp against acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND). Aquaculture, 499, 1-8.