emerging antiviral approaches for white spot disease in shrimp: innovations and impacts

White spot disease (wsd), caused by the white spot syndrome virus (wssv), represents one of the most devastating viral infections in shrimp aquaculture, leading to significant economic losses globally. traditional management strategies have been insufficient in controlling outbreaks, necessitating the exploration of advanced antiviral therapies. recent advancements in antiviral drug development have introduced a new generation of antiviral agents that hold promise for effectively managing wsd. the latest generation of antivirals includes rna interference (rnai) technologies, antiviral peptides, and small molecule inhibitors. rnai-based therapies, such as the use of double-stranded rna or small interfering rna (sirna), have shown potential in silencing viral genes and reducing wssv replication. these approaches offer high specificity and efficiency, targeting the virus at the genetic level to impede its ability to replicate within the host. antiviral peptides, derived from natural or synthetic sources, have demonstrated efficacy in disrupting viral entry and assembly. these peptides act by binding to viral proteins or cellular receptors, thereby preventing the virus from attaching to and entering shrimp cells. their application in aquaculture presents a novel method of preemptive and therapeutic intervention against wssv. small molecule inhibitors, which target viral enzymes or host cell factors essential for wssv replication, represent another promising avenue. these inhibitors are designed to interfere with specific stages of the viral life cycle, reducing viral load and mitigating disease severity. their ability to be administered orally or incorporated into feed makes them a practical option for large-scale shrimp farming. the integration of these advanced antiviral strategies into shrimp aquaculture could revolutionize wsd management, providing more effective control measures and reducing reliance on traditional methods. ongoing research and field trials are crucial to optimizing these therapies for practical use, ensuring they are both effective and safe for shrimp populations. the development of these next-generation antivirals marks a significant step forward in combating white spot disease and sustaining the shrimp aquaculture industry.