A phytobiotic-based additive to support immunocompetence and reduce the impact of co-infections

Ruth Garcia Gomez, Maria Mercè Isern-Subich, Martha Mamora, Waldo G. Nuez Ortin, Adisseo

Shrimp immunocompetence and co-infections

The immune system, in general terms, is founded in three major “control barriers”, namely the “physical barriers” or first line of defense, the innate immunity based on the recognition and destruction of pathogens without specific “memory” against them, and the “adaptative immunity”, in which the host fights against microorganisms through pathogen-specific actions. This adaptative barrier is not present in shrimp; therefore, immunocompetence is greatly supported by the activation of hemocytes as a major part of the innate response.