Key findings from the research
- Identified unique sequences of EMS/AHPND Vibrio parahaemolyticus
- Enabled to develop diagnosis method of EMS/AHPND by PCR
This research project was conducted as part of the SATREPS (Science and Technology Research Partnership for Sustainable Development) program (Note 1) run by JST and JICA. Researchers led by Associate Professor Hidehiro Kondo and Professor Ikuo Hirono of Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology (TUMSAT) conducted comparative genome analysis and identified unique sequences of Vibrio parahaemolyticus which is the causative agent of EMS/AHPND from diseased shrimp in Thailand.
In the past years, shrimp aquaculture in several countries are facing serious problem in production due to disease known as Early Mortality Syndrome (EMS) or Acute Hepatopancreatic Necrosis Syndrome (EMS/AHPNS). EMS was first reported in China in 2009, followed by Vietnam, Malaysia and Thailand. In this year, EMS was also reported in Mexico. The cause of EMS/AHPNS was thought to be a microbial infection. In July 2013, Dr. Lightner and his research group identified and reported that the causative agent of EMS/AHPNS is Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Then, the name of this disease was changed to EMS/AHPND (Acute Hepatopancreatic Necrosis Disease).
However, in environment including shrimp farm, there are several different Vibrio sp. It is difficult to identify the EMS/AHPND Vibrio parahaemolyticus. A rapid and sensitive diagnosis method of EMS/AHPND was necessary to control EMS/AHPND.
The research group of Associate Professor Kondo and Professor Hirono (TUMSAT) conducted genome analysis of 3 virulent strains and 3 non-virulent strains of Vibrio parahaemolyticus. This research group identified unique sequences containing virulence-related genes from 3 virulent strains. Now, this research group are working with researchers of Department of Fisheries, Thailand and Walailak University, Thailand for the development of rapid and sensitive diagnosis method for targeting this unique sequences of EMS/AHPND Vibrio parahaemolyticus. In a couple of months, this international research group will confirm this diagnosis method. Using this method, early diagnosis and detection of EMS/AHPND Vibrio parahaemolyticus will be possible for control and prevention of EMS/AHPND in shrimp farm all over the world.
A SATREPS project involving collaboration with the Department of Fisheries, Thailand and Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, this research was conducted by a group including Associate Professor Hidehiro Kondo and Professor Ikuo Hirono of Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology.
Outline of the research project
- Research area: Bioresources
- Project title: Development of Aquaculture Technology for Food Security and Food Safety in the Next Generation
- Principal Investigator: President Dr. Nobuaki OKAMOTO (Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology)
- Research period: FY2012-FY2016
Notes and terminology
Note 1: SATREPS
SATREPS (Science and Technology Research Partnership for Sustainable Development) is a Japanese government program that promotes international joint research to address global issues through three- to five-year projects involving partnerships between researchers in Japan and researchers in developing countries. The program is collaboration between Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). JST uses research contracts to support research costs incurred in Japan (and in other locations outside the developing country involved in the project). JICA provides support through its technical cooperation project framework to cover costs in the developing country. Overall R&D management of the international joint research is handled jointly by JST, which has expertise in funding research projects at research institutions in Japan, and JICA, which has expertise in technical cooperation in developing countries. Details are available at the JST website: http://www.jst.go.jp/global/english/about.html
Contacts
Concerning the research:
Hidehiro KONDO
Associate Professor, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology
Ikuo HIRONO
Professor, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology
E-mail:
Concerning the SATREPS program (JST):
Research Partnership for Sustainable Development Division
Japan Science and Technology Agency
E-mail:
Concerning the SATREPS program (JICA):
Office of Media and Public Relations
Japan International Cooperation Agency
E-mail: