Isolation and Activity Assessment of Vibrio parahaemolyticus Causing Translucent Post-Larvae Disease from Shrimp Samples

Abstract

Translucent Post-Larvae Disease (TPD) is an emerging threat in shrimp aquaculture, primarily caused by a hypervirulent strain of Vibrio parahaemolyticus. This study aimed to isolate and characterize V. parahaemolyticus strains from shrimp farming environments and assess their pathogenic potential. Samples were collected from various shrimp farms in Mekong Delta, Vietnam. A total of 5 V. parahaemolyticus strains were isolated and screened for the presence of the vhvp-2 gene encoding the Vibrio High Virulent Protein-2 (vhvp-2), a key virulence factor associated with TPD. The isolates were also evaluated for antibiotic resistance, salt tolerance, and extracellular enzyme activities. The results revealed a high prevalence of antibiotic-resistant V. parahaemolyticus strains, with one isolate carrying the vhvp-2 gene. These findings provide valuable insights into the distribution of TPD-causing V. parahaemolyticus strains in Vietnamese shrimp farms and highlight the need for improved disease management strategies in shrimp aquaculture.​