French study finds yeast derivatives a potential solution to shrimp disease

A team of French researchers has found a multi-strain yeast solution to be an effective counter-measure to the shrimp disease commonly known as white feces sydrome (WFS).

Run by Lallemand Animal Nutrition in partnership with Loc Tran from the ShrimpVet Laboratory in Vietnam, the study tested the impact of its yeast derivatives on juvenile shrimp affected by WFS.

"We have already shown very interesting benefits to shrimp defenses when using our innovative multi-strain yeast fraction solution," said Eric Leclercq, R&D manager for Lallemand. "With Dr. Tran, we wanted to explore the mode of action of this natural solution in the context of WFS."

Use of the yeast derivative was found to preserve or improve shrimp performance, reduce tissue damage in the gastrointestinal tract, and mitigate the reshaping of gut microbiota by WFS.

"In particular, the relative abundance of Vibrio sp. is decreased, which seems to reduce the severity and impact of the disease," said Lallemand in a release.

"The shift in intestinal microbiota documented here suggests a role of the commensal microbiota in the pathogenesis of the WFS," added Leclercq. "The study hints towards the potential of reinforcing the intestinal microbiota equilibrium against Vibrio sp.-induced disruption that could mediate WFS.”