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.

Anti-Biofilm Activity of a Hyaluronan-like Exopolysaccharide from the Marine Vibrio MO245 against Pathogenic Bacteria

“…Quorum sensing is a form of cellular communication involving signaling molecules, autoinducers, and receptors [40]. It is an important mechanism in pathogenic Gramnegative bacteria for the production of virulence factors and the formation of biofilms [41].…”