Effects of WSSV single infection or co-infection with Vibrio parahaemolyticus on the muscle quality and tissue structure of the ridgetail white prawn, Exopalaemon carinicauda (Decapoda, Caridea, Palaemonidae)

Abstract To elucidate the effects of pathogenic infection on the muscle quality and tissue structure of the shrimp, we explored the changes in muscle tissue quality and structure of the ridgetail white prawn ( Exopalaemon carinicauda ) after infection with Vibrio parahaemolyticus , WSSV, and co-infection with V. parahaemolyticus and WSSV, all through intramuscular injection of pathogens. Our results reflected that muscle tissue of healthy shrimps was tightly arranged and had neat muscle fibres and uniform texture. While compared with the control group, the muscle hardness, adhesiveness, elasticity, and chewiness of the shrimp in both single and co-infected groups were significantly decreased ( ). In addition, microscopic observation indicated that in each infected group, the muscle fibre gaps in the muscle tissue of the shrimp increased, the muscle density decreased, and even some muscle fibres swelled and broke. The above results suggested that the infection of pathogens significantly affected the shrimp’s muscle quality and tissue structure, which may be related to the pathogenic mechanisms of these pathogens. In actual shrimp farming, we should improve the shrimp’s muscle quality through a series of measures, such as enhancing disease resistance.