Effects of Banana Stem Powder (Musa sp.) Supplementation Following Vibrio parahaemolyticus Infection in Pacific White Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)

This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of banana stem powder (BSP) supplementation in the diet of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) challenge with Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Shrimp (3.15±0.10 g) were reared in glass aquaria (60×30×40 cm3; 45L) at density of 3 L-1. After acclimation, shrimp were intramuscularly injected  with V. parahaemolyticus (106 CFU mL-1), while the negative control (NC) gropu received phosphate-buffered saline only. Following the challenge, shrimp were fed experimental diets supplemented with BSP for 30 days, whereas positive control (PC) and NC group received diets without BSP supplementation. BSP supplementation at a dose of 2 g kg-1 significantly improved survival rate and immune response, including total haemocyte count, phagocytosis activity, respiratory burst, and phenoloxidase, compared to the PC group (p<0.05). in addition, BSP was associated with reduced inflammation, as indicated by lower TRAF6 gene expression, decreased V. parahaemolyticus abundance in the hepatopancreas and the intestine, and improved histological condition of these tissues. These result indicate that BSP supplementation may enhance shrimp resistance to V. parahaemolyticus infection.