Enhancing sustainability in shrimp aquaculture through microalgae-bacteria system with quorum sensing inhibition properties

 

Shrimp aquaculture is threatened by an array of diseases primarily attributed to the intensification of the industry, causing stress to the aquatic animal and creating a conducive environment for pathogenic Vibrio (bacterial) proliferations. Although banned in various countries, antibiotics are still available to aquaculture farmers off the shelf. During the disease outbreak, these antimicrobial agents are administered either in water or incorporated into shrimp feed. However, several Vibrio species from different geographical regions are now resistant to various antibiotics. Research indicates that probiotics with quorum sensing inhibition, or QSI, properties (properties that block communication between bacteria and reduce their impact) have the potential to reduce shrimp infections by either administering them in feed or in water. Both technologies have been shown to promote a high growth rate and protective effects when challenged with Vibrio pathogens.

This project will explore the best management practices in shrimp husbandry on the use of algae flocs with QSI properties that could improve growth, water quality and tolerance towards diseases while reducing the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance. It will validate the safety of the technology, investigate antibiotic resistance genes dissemination, and compare genetic strains to determine regional variances. The socioeconomic value of algae-biofloc in shrimp farming, including women’s involvement, will also be studied. It is hoped that the findings of the project will contribute to a standard protocol of cost-effective, easily adoptable natural solutions that can reduce the use of antibiotics in shrimp aquaculture.

This project is funded under InnoVet-AMR 2.0, a four-year partnership between IDRC and the UK’s Department of Health and Social Care. The initiative is aimed at reducing the emerging risk that antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in animals poses to global health and food security.