BiomiXin probiotics can significantly inhibit the proliferation of fungus
With advancements in aquaculture technology, the research and application of probiotics continue to evolve. For instance, the concept of using multi-strain combinations (synbiotics) is becoming more refined, enhancing efficacy through the synergistic effects of different bacterial strains. Additionally, combining probiotics with postbiotics or prebiotics to accelerate and enhance their effects is an important future trend. Beyond these applications, recent studies have revealed that probiotics also hold significant potential in addressing fungal infections.
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Bacterial-Fungal Interactions: The Competition Between Bacteria and Fungi
In natural conditions, fungi and bacteria frequently engage in symbiotic and competitive interactions, collectively known as bacterial-fungal interactions (BFI). For example, an overgrowth of Candida albicans in the gut can lead to a reduction in Lactobacillus populations. Similarly, an increase in Aspergillus species can decrease the number of short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria in the gut. Additionally, certain ascomycetes, such as Hyphopichia and Wallemia, have been found to influence beneficial gut bacteria, thereby affecting the host’s nutrient absorption.
Because of these interactions, some probiotic strains have developed the ability to inhibit fungal growth. For instance, certain strains of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens can produce Iturin A, a compound that interferes with the metabolic pathways of Aspergillus niger, inhibiting its hyphal growth and spore germination.
Inhibition of Aspergillus niger spore germination by Iturin A. (Wang et al., 2024)
These findings suggest that probiotics, in addition to their antibacterial properties, also hold significant potential for treating fungal infections.
Innovative Probiotic Solution for EHP Control in Shrimp Farming
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In recent years, Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP), a microsporidian parasite classified within fungi, has posed a severe threat to the shrimp farming industry. Due to its thick cell wall and strong environmental resilience, EHP has long been considered one of the most challenging pathogens to manage in aquaculture ponds.
In 2020, BiomiXin introduced a natural botanical extract-based feed additive designed to inhibit EHP infection. This product successfully helped Taiwanese shrimp farmers mitigate the risks associated with EHP and has since been expanding into other Asian markets.
Now, after more than four years, the BiomiXin R&D team has developed a innovative solution for EHP management.
A unique probiotic strains, which effectively suppresses EHP infection within shrimp while simultaneously reducing the pathogen's presence in the farming environment—further minimizing the risk of EHP outbreaks.
Trial results demonstrate that after four weeks of feeding shrimp heavily infected with EHP (infection load >100,000 copies/mg) with the feed formula with new probiotic, the infection level dropped significantly. Compared to the control group, the EHP infection amount was reduced to just 0.89% of the control group (a 99.11% decrease in infection). These findings highlight the strong potential of this new probiotic formula for controlling EHP infections in shrimp farming.
BiomiXin probiotics can significantly inhibit the proliferation of EHP
Author: Barry Cheng, Manager of Aquaculture Department
Reference:
- Bacterial–fungal interactions: ecology, mechanisms and challenges. -Deveau et al., 2018
- Exploring Mechanisms of Antifungal Lipopeptide Iturin A from Bacillus against Aspergillus niger. -Wang et al., 2024
