Potential role of prebiotics and probiotics in conferring health benefits in economically important crabs

Crab species are economically important crustaceans with high demand in markets. Development of the culture system resulted in an increase in disease outbreaks. Disquisition and application of methods that can prevent and control diseases during the crab culture period are crucially essential. The application of prebiotics and probiotics to replace the overuse of antibiotics has practical significance in sustainability of the crab farming. Previously, both prebiotics and probiotics have shown to confer benefits in growth promotion, immunostimulation, and disease control in crab culture. These components can directly stimulate humoral immunity by increasing activities of lysozyme, phagocytosis, respiratory burst, and phenoloxidase. They also activate the cell-mediated immunity by binding to pattern recognition receptors expressed on immune cells and modulating cell signal transduction pathways. Furthermore, the mechanism of action and effectiveness in use of prebiotics and probiotics are summarized in this study, indicating the potential application of prebiotics and probiotics as feed additives in crab farming.