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Introduction: The study of the immune system is gaining more relevance in aquaculture resulting from increases in intensive shrimp culture, and the ensuing step up of viral and bacterial diseases. Aim. To provide updated information of the advances associated with the understanding the immune system of shrimps, particularly penaeid shrimp. Development: The innate immune system of shrimps contains passive and active elements, physical barriers, and humoral-cellular branches, respectively. In recent years, the term trained immunity was added as another key element of immune response against pathogens. Emphasis is made on the acceptance of classifications of hemocytes based on molecular parameters, the advancement in understanding antiviral response through interference RNA, the creation of databases of new antimicrobial peptides, and the evaluation of enzymatic activities as modulators of the immune response. Conclusions: Understanding the mechanisms that mediate the innate and trained immunity, such as shrimp cytokines, permit the implementation of new strategies for disease control in shrimp culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A descriptive transversal study of N. meningitidis carriers involving 189 students of 12-19 years old of a Polytechnic School in Ciego de Avila province was carried out. This study aimed at knowing the prevalence of N. meningitidis carriers, the epidemiological markers as well as risk factors associated to carrier state and to basal immune response to VA-MENGOC-BC® in teenagers. Blood sample and pharyngeal swab tests were carried out to the students, in addition a survey was performed to find out aspects of research. Identification of N. meningitidis was carried out by API NH system (bioMérieux). Sero-subtypes and immunotypes were classified by whole cell ELISA with monoclonal antibodies, and basal immune response was detected by Serum Bactericidal Assay (SBA). Antimicrobial susceptibility of strains to Penicillin, Chloramphenicol, Rifampicin, Sodic Sulfadiazine, Ceftriaxone and Ciprofloxacine was determined. Prevalence of N. meningitidis was 17%. Non groupable strains were predominant (84.7%), followed by serogroups B (12.5%) and Z (3.1%), serogroup C was absent. Phenotype NA:NT:P1.NST:L3.7.9 (12.5%) prevailed, resistant strains to sulfadiazine (78.2%) and sensitive to penicillin (81.3%), though 18.7% showed intermediate sensitivity to this drug. All strains were sensitive to the remaining antimicrobial drugs. Memory immune response to meningococcal vaccine (VA-MENGOC-BC®) was observed , 12 years after its application, with anti C and B bactericidal titers of 25 and 42% respectively. We consider that these results may be influenced by systematic immunization that is carried out with this vaccine in Cuba since 1991. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]