Exploring neem aqueous extracts as an eco-friendly strategy to enhance shrimp health and combat EHP in aquaculture.

Shrimp farming is a significant contributor to the GDP of several growing Asian countries. However, the emergence of Enterocytozoon hepatopanaei (EHP) infection has had a negative impact on the Indian shrimp market, leading to increased mortality and growth retardation among shrimp populations. In order to address this issue, a study was conducted to investigate the potential therapeutic effects of neem aqueous extract (NAE) in treating EHP infection in shrimp. This study employed various approaches, including toxicity testing in zebrafish larvae to determine safe and suitable doses of NAE, as well as long-term exposure trials on adult shrimp. The results of the study indicated that NAE exposure improved the antioxidant defence system by boosting SOD, CAT and NO levels and immunological response of infected shrimp, effectively reducing oxidative stress and enhancing the activity of prophenoloxidase (PPO). Furthermore, histological evaluations demonstrated a decrease in EHP spore development in the shrimp hepatopancreas, while staining analyses revealed the presence of spores in shrimp faeces. Furthermore, the potential bioactive compounds in the extract were observed using GC-MS analysis. These findings highlight the potential of NAE as a natural and effective treatment option for EHP infection in shrimp, which holds significant implications for the aquaculture sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]