A cross-sectional study of shrimp pathogens in wild shrimp, Penaeus vannamei and Penaeus stylirostris in Tumbes, Peru

We report the results of a longitudinal, cross-sectional study on the prevalence of some of the most important shrimp pathogens in wild shrimp located near Tumbes, the most productive shrimp farming area in Peru. Two enteric pathogens (Baculovirus penaei, BP and Hepatobacter penaei, NHP) and two systemic pathogens (infectious hypodermal and haematopoietic necrosis virus, IHHNV and white spot syndrome virus, WSSV) were detected in wild shrimp Penaeus vannamei and Penaeus stylirostris. Shrimp (n = 9,030) were collected from seven tidal channels of mangrove over 9 months (April through December) during 2012 through 2016. Screening for H. penaei, BP, IHHNV and WSSV were conducted by PCR or qPCR following the OIE-recommended methods. The prevalence of these pathogens was below 3% during the study period, with the prevalence trend being BP > H. penaei > WSSV > IHHNV. The overall trend in IHHNV, H. penaei and WSSV prevalence was similar in both species, P. stylirostris and P. vannamei (p > .05). It was interesting to note that BP prevalence was significantly higher in P. stylirostris than P. vannamei (p < .001). The presence of the enteric and systemic pathogens in the wild shrimp population partially explains the presence of the diseases in the nearby shrimp farming areas, which confirms the risk of wild shrimp as a potential carrier for shrimp pathogens in Tumbes, Peru.

Automated summary

The study conducted in wild shrimp near Tumbes, Peru, revealed the presence of various shrimp pathogens, with a higher prevalence of Baculovirus penaei and white spot syndrome virus. Wild shrimp may serve as potential carriers for diseases in nearby shrimp farming areas.