自然养殖水体投喂CpG ODN和表面展示VP28的解脂耶罗维亚酵母对凡纳滨对虾(Litopenaeus vannamei)抗WSSV的免疫保护作用

用添加CpG寡聚核苷酸(CpG ODN)和表面展示VP28的解脂耶罗维亚酵母(VP28-yl)的饵料投喂凡纳滨对虾,进行田间中试实验。投喂30 d后进行WSSV感染实验,评估其对凡纳滨对虾的免疫保护作用。投喂实验结束后,CpG ODN投喂组对虾的相对增重率达到(65.8±7.8)% (P<0.05),这暗示CpG ODN可能具有促生长作用。WSSV攻毒后,CpG ODN和VP28-yl投喂组对虾中WSSV拷贝数与对照组相比均显著降低(P<0.05),相对免疫保护率分别可达到26.7%和36.7%。在投喂结束和WSSV刺激后,CpG ODN组对虾中的呼吸爆发水平均显著升高(P<0.05)。而在VP28-yl投喂组,WSSV引起的细胞凋亡则显著受到抑制(P<0.05)。此外,WSSV刺激后,STAT基因在CpG ODN组和VP28-yl组对虾中的表达水平均显著上调(P<0.05),分别在第5天和第3天达到最大值,而对照组中则显著下调。研究结果表明,CpG ODN和VP28-yl增强了凡纳滨对虾抗病毒免疫力,对养殖对虾病毒性疫病的防控具有显著作用,可以作为免疫增强剂添加在饵料中,具有在养殖生产中推广使用的前景。     

转vp28蓝藻口服剂对凡纳滨对虾抗白斑综合征病毒能力及免疫反应的影响

为探讨转vp28蓝藻(Anabaena sp.PCC7120)口服剂对凡纳滨对虾抗白斑综合征病毒能力及其相应的免疫反应,本研究将此口服剂免疫幼虾7 d,再分别通过投喂攻毒和浸泡攻毒,测定其存活率及相应的免疫指标。投喂攻毒和浸泡攻毒的实验组存活率分别为78.8%和83.19%,表明该口服剂能显著增强对虾抗白斑综合征病毒的能力。蓝藻口服剂免疫对虾的酶活性检测结果显示,超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、酚氧化酶(PO)、过氧化氢酶(CAT)和碱性磷酸酶(AKP)活性在免疫后2 h均有上升趋势,且在48或96 h达到最高值,这表明该口服剂能引起对虾体内酶活性变化。投喂攻毒的对虾酶活性检测结果显示,实验组攻毒后的对虾肝胰腺SOD活性分别比阳性对照组、野生型组、空载体组显著提高42.10%、32.26%和16.04%,且攻毒后的肌肉SOD活性分别比阴性对照组、阳性对照组、野生型组和空载体组略微提高17.70%、11.50%、15.00%以及10.00%。实验组攻毒后的对虾肝胰腺PO、CAT和AKP活性比阳性对照组分别提高12.17%、88.80%和240.07%,比野生型组分别提高21.49%、30.90%和100%;酸性磷酸酶(ACP)活性比阴性对照组略微提高,而在肌肉中各组ACP活性无显著性差异。同时浸泡攻毒组结果与投喂攻毒组具有类似的趋势。浸泡攻毒的实验组CAT和AKP活性显著高于其余处理组,且CAT活性比投喂攻毒更为显著。浸泡攻毒的实验组肝胰腺PO活性显著高于阳性对照组、野生型组和空载体组,而各组肌肉ACP活性无显著性差异。研究表明,转vp28蓝藻口服剂能够增强凡纳滨对虾抗病能力并延缓对虾死亡。转vp28蓝藻PCC7120本身可作为幼虾饵料直接投喂,无需提取纯化,有望大规模应用于对虾养殖产业。     

Enhancement and confirmation of white spot syndrome virus detection using monoclonal antibody specific to VP26

A portion of the VP26 gene (VP26F109) encoding a structural protein of white spot syndrome virus was expressed, purified by SDS‐PAGE and used for immunization of Swiss mice for monoclonal antibody (MAb) production. Three groups of MAbs specific to different epitopes on VP26 were selected; these MAbs can be used to detect natural WSSV infection in Penaeus vannamei using dot blotting, Western blotting or immunohistochemistry without cross‐reaction with other shrimp tissues or other common shrimp viruses. The detection sensitivity of the MAbs was ranged 7–14 fmole per spot of the rVP26F109 as determined using dot blotting. A combination of three MAbs specific to VP26 with MAbs specific to VP28, VP19 and ICP11 increased the detection sensitivity of WSSV during early infection. Therefore, the MAbs specific to VP26 could be used to confirm and to enhance the detection sensitivity for WSSV infection in shrimp with various types of antibody‐based assays.     

Protection of Procambarus clarkii against white spot syndrome virus using recombinant subunit injection vaccine expressed in Pichia pastoris

ABSTRACT:   The potentiality of injection vaccine against white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) in crayfish Procambarus clarkii was investigated. WSSV envelope proteins VP19 and VP28 were expressed in yeast Pichia pastoris GS115. The purified recombinant proteins (2 µg/g of crayfish) were injected intramuscularly, and the same dose injected as a booster shot on fifth day after vaccination. The vaccinated crayfish were divided into two even groups and later challenged orally by WSSV-infected dead crayfish muscle (2 g/individual) on the third and 21st days after the booster shot. The relative percent survival (RPS) in the third-day group was the highest in VP28 (91%), followed by VP19 + VP28 (84%), and VP19 (45%). The RPS for the 21st-day group was the highest in VP28 (78%), followed by VP19 + VP28 (76%), and VP19 (17%). Development of vaccine by using recombinant proteins VP19 and VP28 expressed in yeast is feasible.     

Immune responses of whiteleg shrimp,Litopenaeus vannamei (Boone, 1931), to bacterially expressed dsRNA specific to VP28 gene of white spot syndrome virus

In this study, dsRNA specific to VP28 gene of white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) of shrimp was synthesized in Escherichia coli in large scale and studied the immune response of shrimp to dsRNA‐VP28. The haematological parameters such as clotting time and total haemocytes counts, and immunological parameters such as prophenoloxidase (proPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), superoxide anion (SOA) and malondialdehyde content, as well as the mRNA expression of ten immune‐related genes were examined to estimate the effect of dsRNA‐VP28 on the innate immunity of Litopenaeus vannamei. The activities of proPO, SOA and SOD significantly increased in haemocyte after dsRNA‐VP28 treatment, whereas MDA content did not change significantly. Among the ten immune‐related genes examined, only the mRNA expression of proPO, cMnSOD, haemocyanin, crustin, BGBP, lipopolysaccharides (LPs), lectin and lysozyme in haemocytes, gill and hepatopancreas of L. vannamei, was significantly upregulated at 12 h after dsRNA‐VP28 treatment, while no significant expression changes were observed in Toll receptor and tumour receptor genes. The increase of proPO and SOD activities, and SOA level and mRNA expression level of proPO, cMnSOD, haemocyanin, crustin, BGBP, LPs, lectin and lysozyme after dsRNA‐VP28 stimulation indicate that these immune‐related genes were involved in dsRNA‐VP28‐induced innate immunity in shrimp.     

对虾白斑综合征病毒囊膜蛋白VP28和VP26的毕赤酵母组成型分泌表达

近年来,重组 VP28和 VP26蛋白作为蛋白亚单位疫苗,在增强对虾抗白斑综合征病毒(WSSV)感染的过程中具有重要作用。本研究根据GenBank中WSSV的基因序列设计引物,以WSSV粗提液为模板进行普通PCR扩增,得到VP28和VP26基因,再用引物悬挂法将EcoRⅠ和XbaⅠ酶切位点分别添加到 VP28和 VP26基因的5￠端和3￠端。目的基因经双酶切后插入到表达载体pGAPZαA,转化TOP10大肠杆菌,经博莱霉素(Zeocin)抗性筛选阳性重组酵母表达载体。AvrⅡ酶切线性化之后,电击转化 X-33毕赤酵母感受态细胞,经 Zeocin 抗性筛选得到阳性重组酵母。SDS-PAGE电泳分析重组酵母表达上清液的目的蛋白,没有检测到VP28和VP26重组蛋白。随后,采用蛋白质银染法,结果显示,与空载pGAPZαA组相比,VP28和VP26表达上清液组有明显的条带,证明VP28和VP26在毕赤酵母中成功表达,蛋白分子量大小约为32 kDa。     

Potential role of LvDscam in specific immune response of Litopenaeus vannamei against white spot syndrome virus by oral delivery of VP28 using Bacillus subtilis

Envelope protein VP28 has been suggested as a candidate vaccine component to evoke a better protection against white spot syndrome virus (WSSV). We have reported that Bacillus subtilis spores harbouring VP28 (rVP28‐bs) can specifically protect shrimp against WSSV. However, the mechanism that supports the production of unique molecules induced by rVP28‐bs to trigger specific immunity is originally unknown. It has recently been suggested that Dscam (Down syndrome cell adhesion molecule) plays an essential role in the alternative adaptive immunity of invertebrates. In this study, we compared the diversity of Litopenaeus vannamei Dscam (LvDscam) variable regions by different antigens immunization. A total of 13, 15 and 11 expressed alternative sequences were identified for N‐terminal Ig2, N‐terminal Ig3 and the entire Ig7 domain, respectively. More than half of the unique variants (16 out of 22) were found in the Ig2/Ig3 domains. Further analysis of the interaction between VP28 and unique Ig2/Ig3 variants was confirmed by both yeast two‐hybrid and GST pull‐down approach. We also found that the percentage of haemocytes phagocytosing WSSV was significantly higher (P < 0.001) in the shrimp injected with control‐siRNA (43.8 ± 2.2) than those with Dscam‐siRNA (11.3 ± 5.4) in the rVP28‐bs groups. With Dscam‐siRNA injection, survivorship significantly decreased (P < 0.001) in the rVP28‐bs group after WSSV challenge. Our data suggested that LvDscam‐mediated pathway may be involved in the specific immune response of shrimp against WSSV induced by rVP28‐bs.     

Molecular docking and simulation studies of 3‐(1‐chloropiperidin‐4‐yl)‐6‐fluoro benzisoxazole 2 against VP26 and VP28 proteins of white spot syndrome virus

White spot syndrome virus (WSSV), an aquatic virus infecting shrimps and other crustaceans, is widely distributed in Asian subcontinents including India. The infection has led to a serious economic loss in shrimp farming. The WSSV genome is approximately 300 kb and codes for several proteins mediating the infection. The envelope proteins VP26 and VP28 play a major role in infection process and also in the interaction with the host cells. A comprehensive study on the viral proteins leading to the development of safe and potent antiviral therapeutic is of adverse need. The novel synthesized compound 3‐(1‐chloropiperidin‐4‐yl)‐6‐fluoro benzisoxazole 2 is proved to have potent antiviral activity against WSSV. The compound antiviral activity is validated in freshwater crabs (Paratelphusa hydrodomous). An in silico molecular docking and simulation analysis of the envelope proteins VP26 and VP28 with the ligand 3‐(1‐chloropiperidin‐4‐yl)‐6‐fluoro benzisoxazole 2 are carried out. The docking analysis reveals that the polar amino acids in the pore region of the envelope proteins were involved in the ligand binding. The influence of the ligand binding on the proteins is validated by the molecular dynamics and simulation study. These in silico approaches together demonstrate the ligand's efficiency in preventing the trimers from exhibiting their physiological function.     

Protection of crayfish, Cambarus clarkii, from white spot syndrome virus by polyclonal antibodies against a viral envelope fusion protein

White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) is a large double-stranded DNA virus, causing considerable mortality in penaeid shrimp and other crustaceans. WSSV produces five major structural proteins, including two major envelope proteins, VP28 and VP19. To produce VP28 and VP19 as a single protein for antibody production, DNA sequences encoding both open reading frames were fused together and cloned into pET-22b(+) expression vector. The fusion protein, VP(19+28), was expressed in Escherichia coli, purified using Ni2+ His affinity chromatography and injected into a rabbit. Antiserum collected from the immunized rabbit was tested in vivo for ability to protect crayfish, Cambarus clarkii, from disease caused by WSSV. Fifteen days after challenge with WSSV, treatment with VP(19+28) antiserum gave 100% protection against disease in the ambient temperature range of 15-22 degrees C and 65% protection at a constant temperature of 26 degrees C. These results demonstrated VP(19+28) antiserum is effective in protection of crayfish from WSSV and confirmed that VP19 and VP28 play an important role in WSSV host infection. Targeting both VP19 and VP28 may be effective for the design of both immunotherapeutic medicines and reagents to detect WSSV.     

Anti‐PirA‐like toxin immunoglobulin (IgY) in feeds passively immunizes shrimp against acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease

Acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND), caused by a toxin‐producing Vibrio parahaemolyticus strain, has become a serious threat to shrimp aquaculture. The need to regulate antibiotic use prompted the development of alternative ways to treat infections in aquaculture including the use of chicken egg yolk immunoglobulin (IgY) for passive immunization. This study evaluated the protective effect of IgY against AHPND infection in Litopenaeus vannamei (Boone). IgY was isolated from eggs laid by hens immunized with recombinant PirA‐like (rPirA) and PirB‐like (rPirB) toxins. Whole‐egg powders having IgY specific to rPirA (anti‐PirA‐IgY) and rPirB (anti‐PirB‐IgY) and IgY from non‐immunized hen (control‐IgY) were mixed with basal diets at 20% concentrations and used to prefeed shrimp 3 days before the bacterial challenge test. Survival rates of the challenged shrimp fed the anti‐PirA‐IgY, anti‐PirB‐IgY and control‐IgY diets were 86%, 14% and 0%, respectively. Only the feed containing anti‐PirA‐IgY protected shrimp against AHPND. Increasing the concentration of rPirA antigen to immunize hens and lowering the amount of egg powder in feeds to 10% consistently showed higher survival rates in shrimp fed with anti‐PirA‐IgY (87%) compared with the control (12%). These results confirm that addition of anti‐PirA‐IgY in feeds could be an effective prophylactic method against AHPND infection in shrimp.     

Protection of Fenneropenaeus chinensis (Osbeck, 1765) against the white spot syndrome virus using specific chicken egg yolk immunoglobulins by oral delivery

Two kinds of specific chicken egg yolk immunoglobulins (IgYs), IgY‐WSSV and IgY‐VP28, were, respectively, raised against the 2 mM binary ethylenimine (BEI)‐inactivated white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) and a principal envelope protein VP28. The activity of purified specific IgYs was stable under the conditions of 20–70 °C, pH 3.0–10.0 and 0–700 g L^?1 sucrose solution. In the neutralization assay, these high‐affinity IgY antibodies can specifically bind with the virus particles to protect shrimp (Fenneropenaeus chinensis) against WSSV infection. After oral delivery for 20 days, the IgY‐WSSV exerted a higher protection effect (RPS: 71.5%) than IgY‐VP28 (RPS: 63.7%). Moreover, an increase in RPS (79.2%) was found on addition of IgY‐WSSV:VP28 (0.1% IgY‐VP28 plus 0.2% IgY‐WSSV). This may indicate that neutralization of WSSV refers to the multiple‐hit model. By time‐course study of the levels of the specific IgYs in vivo, the data showed that the titre was enhanced to a relatively high level (P/N=8.35±0.45) at 3 days post administration, declined slightly (P/N=7.13±1.01) at 7 days post administration and then remained stable for further investigation. The stable antibody level potentially contributes towards blocking a large number of WSSV particles from entering and infecting on the major tissues at the early and late stages after challenge in shrimp.     

溶藻弧菌鞭毛蛋白flaC基因DNA疫苗对红笛鲷的免疫保护研究

为研究溶藻弧菌鞭毛蛋白flaC基因DNA疫苗对红笛鲷的免疫保护作用,实验构建了重组真核表达质粒pcDNA-flaC并将该质粒肌肉注射红笛鲷,采用PCR、RT-PCR、ELISA和攻毒试验等方法检测了该真核表达质粒在红笛鲷组织内的分布、表达和对红笛鲷的免疫保护.PCR结果显示,免疫接种7和28 d,注射点周围肌肉、鳃、肾脏、肝脏和脾脏都存在质粒分布;RT-PCR结果显示,免疫接种后第7天、14天和28天,红笛鲷不同组织内均有目的基因表达.ELISA结果表明,鱼血清内产生了抗FlaC蛋白的抗体,表明DNA疫苗免疫后鱼体表达了目的蛋白,并诱导产生了相应抗体.攻毒实验表明,免疫后的红笛鲷能较好地抵抗致病性溶藻弧菌的感染.结果表明,质粒pcDNA-flaC可能是抵抗溶藻弧菌感染的有效的疫苗候选物.     

Development of immunodot blot assay for the detection of white spot syndrome virus infection in shrimps (Penaeus monodon)

The VP 28 gene encoding a structural envelope protein of the white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) was cloned into a pET32a(+) expression vector for the production of the recombinant VP28 protein. A purified recombinant protein of 39.9 kDa size was used for polyclonal antibody production in rabbit. Specific immunoreactivity of the rabbit anti rVP28 antiserum to the viral antigen was confirmed by a Western blot. The specificity of this polyclonal anti‐rVP28 antiserum to detect the presence of the virus in WSSV‐infected Penaeus monodon was verified using a immunodot blot assay. Immunodot blot showed a positive reaction in infected shrimp tissues with prominent colour development using 3,3′,5,5′‐tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) as a chromogenic substrate when compared with 3–3′ diaminobenzidine tetrahydrochloride (DAB). Highest signal intensities of the immunodots were observed in infected shrimp pleopod extracts and haemolymph. On comparison with polymerase chain reaction (PCR), immunodot blot could detect 76% of PCR‐positive WSSV‐infected shrimp samples. Immunodot blot was found to be equivalent to first‐step PCR sensitivity to detect WSSV particles estimated to contain 1.0 × 10⁵ viral DNA copies.     

Development of monoclonal antibodies against VP28 of WSSV and its application to detect WSSV using immunocomb

White spot disease (WSD) is an important viral disease of penaeid shrimp caused by white spot syndrome virus (WSSV). WSSV isolated from WSD outbreaks in commercial shrimp (Penaeus monodon) farms in India were propagated in the laboratory in healthy shrimp. The virus was purified from the infected tissues by sucrose gradient centrifugation. The VP28 was electroeluted from SDS-PAGE gels and was used to immunize Balb/c mice to produce hybridomas secreting monoclonal antibodies (MAb) against WSSV. A total of five hybridoma clones secreting MAbs to VP28 were produced. The MAbs were of the isotypes IgG1, IgG2b and IgM. The MAbs reacted with VP28 of WSSV and not with any other viral or shrimp protein in western blot. The MAbs were used to develop dot immunoblot assay using an immunocomb to detect WSSV from field samples. The test developed had an analytical sensitivity of 625 pg and a diagnostic sensitivity of 100% compared to single step polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The test can be used as an alternate for first step PCR to detect WSSV from field samples.     

High efficacy of white spot syndrome virus replication in tissues of freshwater rice‐field crab,Paratelphusa hydrodomous (Herbst)

An attempt was made to determine the replication efficiency of white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) of shrimp in different organs of freshwater rice‐field crab, Paratelphusa hydrodomous (Herbst), using bioassay, PCR, RT‐PCR, ELISA, Western blot and real‐time PCR analyses, and also to use this crab instead of penaeid shrimp for the large‐scale production of WSSV. This crab was found to be highly susceptible to WSSV by intramuscular injection. PCR and Western blot analyses confirmed the systemic WSSV infection in freshwater crab. The RT‐PCR analysis revealed the expression of VP28 gene in different organs of infected crab. The indirect ELISA was used to quantify the VP28 protein in different organs of crab. It was found that there was a high concentration of VP28 protein in gill tissue, muscle, haemolymph and heart tissue. The copy number of WSSV in different organs of infected crab was quantified by real‐time PCR, and the results revealed a steady increase in copy number in different organs of infected crab during the course of infection. The viral inoculum prepared from different organs of infected crab caused significant mortality in tiger prawn, Penaeus monodon (Fabricius). The results revealed that this crab can be used as an alternate host for WSSV replication and production.     

Characterization and application of monoclonal antibodies against white spot syndrome virus

Three hybridoma clones secreting monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) were produced from mouse myeloma and spleen cells immunized with white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) isolated and purified from Penaeus monodon (Fabricius), collected from north-eastern Taiwan. By sodium dodecyl sulphate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS–PAGE), the protein profile of this isolate contained four major proteins with sizes of approximately 35 (VP35), 28 (VP28), 24 (VP24), and 19 kDa (VP19). Western blot analysis revealed that two MAbs (1D7 and 6E1) recognized epitopes on VP28 and one MAb (3E8) recognized an epitope on VP19. The MAb 6E1 isotyped to the IgG₁ class was used in both an indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) and in an immunochemical staining protocol for successful identification and localization of WSSV in infected shrimp tissues. Antigenic similarity of isolates from Indonesia and Malaysia to the Taiwan isolate was illustrated by IFA with MAb 6E1. A MAb (2F6) which bound specifically to two shrimp proteins, 75 and 72 kDa, and reacted to the healthy and non-target tissues of WSSV in infected shrimp, such as hepatopancreas, is also described here and shows the necessity for specific identification of antibodies.     

Production of polyclonal antiserum against recombinant VP28 protein and its application for the detection of white spot syndrome virus in crustaceans

The VP28 gene of white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) was cloned into pRSET B expression vector. The VP28 protein was expressed as a protein with a 6-histidine taq in Escherichia coli GJ1158 with NaCl induction. Antiserum was raised against this recombinant-VP28 protein in rabbits and it recognized VP28 protein in naturally and experimentally WSSV-infected shrimp, marine crabs, freshwater prawns and freshwater crabs. The antiserum did not recognize any of the other known WSSV structural proteins. Various organs such as eyestalks, head muscle, gill tissue, heart tissue, haemolymph, tail tissue and appendages were found to be good materials for detection of WSSV using the antiserum and detection of WSSV was successful in experimentally infected Penaeus monodon and P. indicus at 12 and 24 h post-infection (p.i.), respectively. The antiserum was capable of detecting WSSV in 5 ng of total haemolymph protein from WSSV-infected shrimp.     

Nucleotide sequence variations of the major structural proteins (VP15, VP19, VP26 and VP28) of white spot syndrome virus (WSSV), a pathogen of cultured Litopenaeus vannamei in Mexico

White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) was first reported in farmed Litopenaeus vannamei stocks in Sinaloa and Sonora, Mexico during 1999 and continues to cause severe shrimp losses. WSSV genes encoding nucleocapsid (VP26 and VP15) and envelope proteins (VP19 and VP28) of a Mexican isolate were cloned in the pMosBlue vector. The nucleotide sequences of these genes were compared with WSSV isolates in GenBank. VP15 is highly conserved, and VP26 showed 99% homology to a Chinese isolate. The VP28 fragment demonstrated 100% homology to the majority of the isolates analysed (UniProt accession no. Q91CB7), differing from two Indian WSSV and one Chinese WSSV isolates by two non-conserved and one conserved replacements, respectively. Because of their highly conserved nature, these three structural proteins are good candidates for the development of antibody-based WSSV diagnostic tools or for the production of recombinant protein vaccines to stimulate the quasi-immune response of shrimp. In contrast, VP19 of the Mexican isolate was distinguishable from almost all isolates tested, including an American strain of WSSV (US98/South Carolina, GenBank accession no. AAP14086). Although homology was found with isolates from Taiwan (GenBank accession no. AAL89341) and India (GenBank accession no. AAW67477), VP19 may have application as a genetic marker.     

Dietary microorganism and plant effects on the survival and immune response of Litopenaeus vannamei challenged with the white spot syndrome virus

The effect of plants and probiotics on the survival and immune response of Litopenaeus vannamei challenged with the white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) was evaluated. A probiotic mixture (PM), plant extract (PE) or powdered plants (PP) were added to feed with the attractant Dry Oil^®. An experiment was conducted with five treatments in triplicate. Shrimp (weighing 11.70±2.5 g) were cultured in 120 L plastic tanks and fed twice a day with commercial feed plus additives or with commercial feed plus WSSV. Animals were monitored for the occurrence of WSSV using single‐step and nested PCR. The PM and PP added to the commercial feed showed high survival, a decrease in WSSV prevalence in shrimp and an increase in the activity of lysosomal enzymes, N‐acetyl‐β‐glucosaminidase and acid phosphatase. The total haemocyte count in shrimp treated with PM was significantly higher than that in the control group (treatment I) and in shrimp fed with PE. The results of the present work indicate that PP and PM are good candidates for use as feed additives against WSSV in shrimp cultures.