Use of an immersion adjuvant with a Flavobacterium columnare recombinant protein vaccine in channel catfish

Authors: Lange, Miles; Abernathy, Jason; Farmer, Bradley; Beck, Benjamin

Submitted to: Fish and Shellfish Immunology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/30/2021
Publication Date: 9/8/2021
Citation: Lange, M.D., Abernathy, J.W., Farmer, B.D., Beck, B.H. 2021. Use of an immersion adjuvant with a Flavobacterium columnare recombinant protein vaccine in channel catfish. Fish and Shellfish Immunology. 117:136-139. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fsi.2021.07.025.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fsi.2021.07.025

Interpretive Summary: The incidence of different bacterial diseases and their ongoing contribution to on-farm losses including the cost of therapeutants during the production cycle persists among the U.S. catfish industry accounting for as much $17 million in overall annual lost revenue. In recent years, many animal producing industries have begun to regulate the distribution and use of antibiotics during the production cycle. Vaccination remains a practical alternative that has proven to be effective in the control of different pathogens in the catfish industry. The Gram-negative bacterium, Flavobacterium columnare, the causative agent of columnaris disease generates substantial mortality during the production of freshwater fish species. The intensive production of channel catfish is well-suited for the transmission of columnaris disease and during the growth cycle the pathogen is opportunistic, and outbreaks are common, as stressors such as increased rearing density, handling and poor water quality are increased. A previously developed recombinant F. columnare DnaK protein vaccine was shown to provide protection against columnaris disease in laboratory challenges. We confirmed and extended these findings by evaluating the efficacy of the recombinant F. columnare DnaK protein vaccine when using different immersion adjuvant strategies. The results demonstrate significant protection of channel catfish at after 6 to 8 weeks post vaccination.

Technical Abstract: The incidence of different bacterial diseases and their ongoing contribution to on-farm losses including the cost of therapeutants during the production cycle persists among the U.S. catfish industry accounting for as much $17 million in overall annual lost revenue. In recent years, many animal producing industries have begun to regulate the distribution and use of antibiotics during the production cycle. Vaccination remains a practical alternative that has proven to be effective in the control of different pathogens in the catfish industry. The Gram-negative bacterium, Flavobacterium columnare, the causative agent of columnaris disease generates substantial mortality during the production of freshwater fish species. The intensive production of channel catfish is well-suited for the transmission of columnaris disease and during the growth cycle the pathogen is opportunistic, and outbreaks are common, as stressors such as increased rearing density, handling and poor water quality are increased. A previously developed recombinant F. columnare DnaK protein vaccine was shown to provide protection against columnaris disease in laboratory challenges. We confirmed and extended these findings by evaluating the efficacy of the recombinant F. columnare DnaK protein vaccine when using different immersion adjuvant strategies. The results demonstrate significant protection of channel catfish at after 6 to 8 weeks post vaccination.