WSSV Infection in the Gut Microbiota of the Black Tiger Shrimp Penaeus monodon

Abstract

This study investigated the impacts of white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) on the gut microbiota of Penaeus monodon through a comparative microbiota analysis of infected and healthy shrimp using 16S rDNA sequencing. The WSSV-infected shrimp exhibited characteristic white spots, reduced feeding activity, and behavioral lethargy preceding 100% mortality. The comparative microbiota analysis revealed a significantly diminished α-diversity in the infected specimens, marked by phylum-level dominance shifts from Proteobacteria (72.68%) and Firmicutes (11.27%) in the controls to Cyanobacteria (75.51%) and Proteobacteria (15.63%) in the WSSV-infected shrimp. An LEfSe analysis identified Arthrospira_PCC-7345 and Halochromatium as significantly enriched taxa during infection, contrasting with depleted populations of Ruegeria, Marivita, Bacillus, and seven other genera. The distinct dysbiosis pattern characterized by the pathogen-favored taxa proliferation and commensal species suppression demonstrates WSSV-associated microbiota restructuring, potentially contributing to disease progression in farmed P. monodon. These findings establish intestinal microbial biomarkers for early WSSV detection in aquaculture systems.

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