Biotechnology offers revolution to fish health management

• DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2006.03.004
• Publication Date: 2006-03-30T12:52:14Z
• Authors: Alexandra Adams; Kim D. Thompson
• Keywords: 0301 basic medicine; Fish Diseases; 0303 health sciences; 03 medical and health sciences; Fishes; Animals; Aquaculture; 14. Life underwater; Biotechnology; 3. Good health

Biotechnology has many applications in fish health management. The application of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) provides a rapid means of pathogen identification; antibodies to immunoglobulins from different fish species can be used to monitor the host response following vaccination; and mAbs also have the potential for screening broodstock for previous exposure to pathogens. Luminex technology exemplifies a novel antibody-based method that can be applied to both pathogen detection and vaccine development. Molecular technologies, such as the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), real time PCR and nucleic acid sequence-based amplification (NASBA), have enabled detection, identification and quantification of extremely low levels of aquatic pathogens, and microarray technologies offer a new dimension to multiplex screening for pathogens and host response. Recombinant DNA technology permits large-scale, low-cost vaccine production, moreover DNA vaccination, proteomics, adjuvant design and oral vaccine delivery will undoubtedly foster the development of effective fish vaccines in the future.