Protective effect of Aloe vera in Litopenaeus vannamei challenged with Vibrio parahaemolyticus and white spot syndrome virus

Survival and growth were investigated in Litopenaeus vannamei fed with powdered whole leaf of Aloe vera and co-infected with white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) and Vibrio parahaemolyticus by ingestion and immersion, respectively. A. vera was added to commercial feed. The infection with both pathogens was made at the same time. A. vera did not affect shrimp growth. Shrimps fed with the plant (1gkgfeed−1) every two days showed higher survival as compared to the control group not fed without A. vera. A. vera has the potential to be used prophylactically as antiviral and antibacterial agent in cultured shrimps. •This study evaluated the protective effect of aloe against pathogens in L. vannamei.•Aloe protects shrimp against WSSV and V. parahaemolyticus infections.•Aloe can be used as prophylactic treatment against diseases in cultured shrimp.