Histopathological Analysis of Acute Hepatopancreatic Necrosis Disease (AHPND) Impact on the Hepatopancreas of Litopenaeus vannamei, using Scanning Electron Microscopy

This study examined the histopathological impact of acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND) on the hepatopancreas of Litopenaeus vannamei using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). AHPND, caused by Vibrio parahaemolyticus, is known for its rapid and lethal effects on shrimp hepatopancreatic tissue, leading to substantial losses in the aquaculture industry. Through SEM, significant morphological changes were observed in infected hepatopancreatic samples, including necrosis, vacuolization, and mineralization. Necrosis was marked by cellular disintegration, vacuolization by hollow epithelial cells, and mineralization by dense white granules. Sample A5 displayed an intact hepatopancreatic structure, contrasting sharply with A1 and A6, which exhibited extensive tissue damage. These findings highlight the profound structural impact of AHPND on shrimp health, underscoring the need for targeted disease management practices in aquaculture.