Methods for the Detection of Enterocytozoon Hepatopenaei (EHP)

This invention targets Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP) to help combat the spread of EHP disease in shrimp aquacultures.

Background:
Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP) is a fungal disease that affects aquacultures primarily in Southeast Asia but has been recorded in Venezuela as well. EHP severely restricts shrimp growth, causes size variability in the population and increases shrimp susceptibility to acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND) and septic heptopancreatic necrosis (SHPN). Current diagnostics used in EHP identification, such as 18S rDNA sequence-based primers, can produce false-positive results and hinder proper EHP identification in samples. The new technology presented here overcomes problems associated with use of the 18S rDNA method.

Applications:

• Reliable and quick EHP testing for a variety of samples
• Prevention of the spread of EHP disease in shrimp aquaculture farms
• Testing methods for shrimp, shrimp feed and feed ingredients 

Advantages:

• Specific to EHP
• Easily used in a variety of diagnostic kits
• Can be used for a variety of sample types

Status: issued U.S. patent #11,434,529