A Review on Pears of Nutrition Vs Shadows of Enterocytozoon Hepatopenaei

Abstract

Shrimp aquaculture is a rapidly expanding sector that plays a vital role
in global seafood production and trade. However, the industry faces
significant challenges from emerging pathogens, among which
Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei has gained increasing attention. EHP is a
microsporidian parasite that infects the hepatopancreas of farmed shrimp,
particularly Penaeus vannamei and Penaeus monodon. Unlike other
pathogens that cause acute mortality, EHP does not directly kill shrimp but
severely impairs growth, leading to stunted populations, increased production
costs, and reduced farm profitability. The parasite spreads rapidly through
contaminated broodstock, feed, and pond environments, making its control
extremely difficult. Conventional disease management strategies, including
antibiotics and chemotherapeutics, are ineffective against EHP. Early
detection methods such as PCR and histopathology are critical for farm-level
surveillance and biosecurity. Preventive strategies focus on strict hatchery
screening, biosecure farming practices, and pond management to minimize
horizontal transmission. As EHP infections often occur in combination with
other opportunistic pathogens, they further exacerbate production losses and
threaten the sustainability of shrimp aquaculture. Given its “silent” yet severe
economic impacts, urgent attention is required to enhance farmer awareness,
strengthen diagnostic capacity, and develop sustainable management
strategies. A comprehensive approach involving improved biosecurity,
breeding programs for resistant strains, and international cooperation will be
essential to mitigate the long-term threat posed by EHP in global shrimp
farming.