Alterations in intestinal microbiota and host response in Penaeus monodon experimentally challenged with Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP)
摘要
Hepatopancreatic microsporidiosis caused by Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP) is a significant disease leading to economic losses in shrimp aquaculture. Most studies on EHP infection involving metagenome and transcriptome analyses have focused on P. vannamei. To understand the host–pathogen interaction and disease manifestation of EHP infection in P. monodon, similar approaches are necessary. In this study, healthy and experimentally challenged P. monodon with EHP were subjected to metagenomic and transcriptomic sequencing to understand the changes in gut microbiota and host–pathogen interactions. Gut microbiome analysis of EHP-infected P. monodon revealed a reduction in beneficial bacteria (e.g. Ruegeria) and an increase in Vibrio, Shewanella, and Ferrimonas compared to the control group. Transcriptomic analysis showed less significant changes in the expression of genes related to metabolism. Immune genes, such as lysozyme, ALF, MMR, peritrophin, phenoloxidase, and PAF, were highly upregulated, while caspase, mucin, hemocyanin, and proclotting enzyme genes were downregulated, suggesting a less severe impact of EHP infection on P. monodon. This forms the first report on gut microbiome and host response to EHP infection in P. monodon. Overall, the omics data analysis suggested lower infection levels, lesser susceptibility, and a lesser impact of EHP on P. monodon.