Glucan-induced disease resistance in tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon)

Non-specific disease resistance induced by yeast cell wall extract, beta-1,3-1,6-glucan, was demonstrated in the tiger shrimp. In this study beta-1,3-1,6-glucan was administered to shrimps by immersion before culturing and orally during the culturing period. Challenge of the treated shrimps with the virulent pathogens, Vibrio vulnificus and viral agents extracted from the white spot syndrome victims, yielded promising results. The tolerance of glucan-treated shrimps was slightly enhanced to stresses including catching, transport and ammonia. The growth and survival rates of treated and untreated shrimps were not significantly different. Therefore, we suggest that beta-1,3-1,6-glucan can be used as an immuno-stimulant of cultured shrimps and may benefit shrimp farmers.