Biotechnology offers revolution to fish health management.
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.
Adams
Alexandra
A
Institute of Aquaculture, University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LA, UK. alexandra.adams@stir.ac.uk
Thompson
Kim D
KD
D000818:Animals; D017756:Aquaculture / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D001709:Biotechnology / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D005393:Fish Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy*; D005399:Fishes