Abstract
Litopenaeus vannamei, a widely cultivated aquatic species worldwide, has its growth status intrinsically tied to the economic profitability of the aquaculture industry. However, infection by the microspondian parasite Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP) has emerged as a pivotal threat to the healthy growth of these shrimp. Through transcriptome sequencing, this study identified substantial alterations in gene expression patterns related to growth regulation, immune system activation, and energy metabolism regulation. Specifically, in L. vannamei shrimp exhibiting normal growth, the elevated expression of genes such as CYP450, PPAF, FASN and ACSBG2 serves as molecular indicators of their growth superiority and resistance to parasitic infection. Furthermore, metabolome analysis revealed distinct changes in lipid and nucleotide metabolic pathways, offering valuable insights into the metabolic disruptions caused by infection. The integrated analysis of transcriptome and metabolome data indicated a notable positive correlation between the differentially expressed genes TPi and ALF-like, and the metabolites acetyl-L-carnitine and citric acid. This suggests potential synergistic mechanisms in regulating energy metabolism and immune responses against EHP infection. These findings enhance our comprehension of EHP infection mechanisms and establish a scientific groundwork for developing more precise and efficacious prevention and control strategies, ultimately promoting the healthy growth of L. vannamei and ensuring the sustainable development of the aquaculture industry.