Research Projects

Infectious diseases in shrimp farms have led to significant mortality and economic loss. Shrimps lack an adaptive immune system and rely on their innate immune responses to combat pathogens. Chemical compounds are used to treat these diseases, but this anthropogenic-driven adaptation can lead to antibiotic resistance. The inappropriate use of antibiotics can affect the normal microbiota of the gastrointestinal tract and suppress the establishment of natural microflora in shrimp. Antibiotic residues accumulate in shrimp tissues and the environment, which are passed on to consumers via the food chain. Multi-drug resistant (MDR) strains are increasing due to resistance against antibiotic drugs for specific diseases. An alternative strategy is to use bio-molecules or bioactive compounds from natural resources, such as N-acyl homoserine lactonase (AHL), concanavalin A, and calnexin. These bio-molecules are more cost-effective than antibiotic production. In this proposal, AHL lactonase extracted from Bacillus spp. isolated from penaeid shrimp Penaeus monodon (Giant tiger prawn) will be used against microbial strain Vibrio parahaemolyticus. This alternative strategy can potentially render shrimp production safe without productivity loss and ensure bio-safety, while also improving product shelf life.