Antioxidant status of Penaeus monodon fed with Dunaliella salina supplemented diet and resistance against WSSV

Abstract

The present study investigates the protection of shrimp Penaeus monodon against white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) using Dunaliella salina algal cells which contains an antioxidant betacarotene for the shrimp nonspecific immunity. To determine the antioxidant activity, the shrimp were treated in vivo (orally with feed) methods at the concentration of 0.5 %, 1.0 % and 2 % D. salina incorporated with pellet feed, respectively. In the present study, anti-WSSV activity of D. salina incorporated diet by in vivo methods showed strong antioxidant activity and the immunological parameters such as proPO, SOD,catalase were higher in the WSSVinfected shrimp treated with D. salina incorporated diet when compared to control groups. These results strongly indicate that in vivo of D. salina incorporated diet enhances immunity of the shrimp. Based on the present data and the advantages of harvesting D. salina at low price, we believe that oral administration of D. salina live cells along with the pellet feed is a potential prophylactic agent against WSSV infection of shrimp to some extent.