Protective effect of medicinal plants and Bacillus licheniformis BCR 4-3 on white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) challenged with Vibrio parahaemolyticus

Background: In shrimp farming, viral and bacterial diseases cause losses due to mortalities of up to 100% of the production. The use of prophylactic methods such as natural additives that do not generate bacterial resistance and environmental problems is currently being researched. Objective: This study evaluated the effect of medicinal plants (aloe, basil, ginger, and garlic) and Bacillus licheniformis BCR4-3, added to water, on survival of Litopenaeus vannamei shrimp challenged with Vibrio parahaemolyticus IPNGS16. Methods: In two bioassays, a mixture of the four powdered plants (4 g/kg of feed) was evaluated every 2days, and the bacillus (1×106, 2×106and 3×106CFU/L) added to the water was evaluated every 3and 7days. Before each bioassay, the mean lethal concentration of Vibrio was determined. Results: The mixture of medicinal plants in the feed and B. licheniformis BCR 4-3 in the water improved the survival rate of up to 70% of Litopenaeus vannamei challenged with V. parahaemolyticus IPNGS16 added in the water, making this mixture a potential treatment for the prevention of acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND) infections in commercial shrimp farms.