Microsporidian Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP) in Shrimp and Its Detection Methods

In shrimp farming, disease is a serious concern that affects production globally. Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP) was rarely found till 2009 in the black tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon. But EHP infection became more widespread during mid-2010 in Asia and affected the most common cultured shrimp species Penaeus vannamei. Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP) affects the hepatopancreas of the shrimp and causes Hepatopancreatic Microsporidiosis (HPM). HPM is a disease that delayed host growth and development. HPM is more difficult to manage than other infectious disease due to a lack of sufficient knowledge about its reservoirs and mode of transmission. This study summarized the life cycle of EHP spore and the molecular approaches used by them as an obligate intracellular parasite. It also analyzes existing and novel approaches for the diagnosis, as the majority of the present work on EHP concentrates on that area. We outline the current understanding of EHP infection and transmission dynamics, as well as currently recommended, feasible control strategies being used to restrict its harmful influence on shrimp farming. We also highlight the critical knowledge gaps that must be addressed immediately.
How to cite this article: Khushbu, Gulati R, Sushma, Bamel K. (2022). Microsporidian Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP) in Shrimp and Its Detection Methods. Bulletin of Pure and Applied Sciences-Zoology, 41A (1), 179-187.
Keywords Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei, Penaeus vannamei, Hepatopancreatic microsporidiosis, Transmission dynamics