Unraveling the etiology of shrimp diseases: a review through the perspectives of gut microbial dynamics

Aquaculture plays a vital role in meeting global food demand, and shrimp farming is a major contributor to this industry. Despite the immense economic importance of farmed shrimp, disease outbreaks continue to pose a significant challenge. This was attributed to fluctuations in various biotic and abiotic factors such as temperature, salinity, nutrition absorption, and water quality, which favor the abundance of invaders or opportunistic pathogens. Furthermore, the alterations in the gut microbiota, particularly decreased levels of commensals and increased prevalence of pathogens were reported during disease outbreaks. Shrimp physiology and immune function are intimately intertwined with the gut microbiome, leading to a dynamic interplay where the host shapes the microbial community through selection, while the microbes in turn influence the host’s metabolism and immune responses. Although various literatures report the change in gut microbial diversity and the immune responses generated by the host against various pathogens, a crucial knowledge gap exists regarding the intricate communication between these two systems. This review bridges this gap by deciphering the intricate interplay between host immunity and gut microbes, elucidating on the mechanisms underlying successful shrimp disease establishment. Thus, this review could offer possibilities for generating ideas to carry out effective aquaculture practices.