• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.54 no.5
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• pp.691-697
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• 2021

Vibrio parahaemolyticus associated with acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (Vp_AHPND) and Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP) are the two most important pathogens in shrimp aquaculture and they have caused enormous losses to the shrimp industry worldwide. In ponds, the major target organ for the two pathogens is the hepatopancreas, and infection with EHP is a known potential risk factor for Vp_AHPND infection. This study aimed to develop a PCR (polymerase chain reaction)-based diagnostic method for simultaneously detecting Vp_AHPND and EHP. The newly developed PCR diagnostic method could be used to test various samples, such as seawater, shrimp, and feces. The diagnostic method exhibited high sensitivity and specificity for both pathogens. This will help reduce the potential economic losses that may have been caused by the two major shrimp pathogens, Vp_AHPND and EHP, and will allow for the efforts and time spent combatting them to be dedicated elsewhere.