White Feces Syndrome, A Multifactorial Syndrome of Cultured Shrimp: A Mini Review

Abstract

White feces syndrome (WFS), a gastrointestinal disorder of cultivated penaeid shrimp, causes severe economic and production losses worldwide. Shrimp with WFS usually show a reduced feed consumption and growth rate, hepatopancreatic discoloration, and loose shells. Recently, WFS has been said to be related to an infection with Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP), a microsporidian parasite, and other opportunistic bacteria, such as the Vibrio species. Vibrio spp. may play an important role in WFS occurrence; nevertheless, Vibrio sp., as a single pathogen, cannot reproduce this syndrome under laboratory conditions. To date, no novel treatment has been found for WFS; therefore, preventive measures, such as strict biosecurity systems to eliminate or inactivate EHP spores and limit the total Vibrio number, have been suggested. This review summarizes the information regarding the association between WFS and water parameters, gut microbiomes, EHP and Vibrio, and disease control strategies.