Targeting quorum sensing and biofilm formation in the control of Vibrio harveyi infections in Penaeus vannamei

Abstract

Vibriosis, a disease caused by Vibrio spp., including V. harveyi, contributes to enormous economic loss to the shrimp aquaculture industry. With the worsening incidences of antimicrobial resistance in aquaculture, novel strategies for combating this bacterial infection are urgently needed. One of these is by targeting the bacterial communication system, called quorum sensing (QS), which is responsible for the expression of genes necessary for bacterial pathogenesis. Recently, bioactive compounds capable of inhibiting QS were identified. This review focuses on the discovery of bioactive substances from animal, plant, and microbial origins with the capability of inhibiting QS and biofilm formation, a mechanism important in the pathogenesis of vibriosis. Furthermore, recent developments in the use of these QS inhibitors (QSIs) as feed supplement for Penaeus vannamei shrimp were also discussed. These findings will provide the necessary information for the discovery, development, and eventual commercialization of these QSIs as tools in mitigating vibriosis in the shrimp industry.