title: Validation of Fermentation and Processing Procedures for the Commercial-Scale Production of a Live, Attenuated Edwardsiella ictaluri Vaccine for Use in Channel Catfish Aquaculture.
abstract: Mortality associated with Edwardsiella ictaluri infection is a serious impediment to the commercial production of fingerling Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus. A patented, live, attenuated, orally delivered vaccine has been developed that offers exceptional protection against E. ictaluri infection in both laboratory and small-scale pond trials. Further vaccine development is contingent on the successful completion of large-scale field trials that accurately reflect industry conditions. This current work focuses on the validation of fermentation protocols and the optimization of downstream processing procedures to produce sufficient quantities of vaccine to conduct commercial-scale field trials. Eight vaccine serials were produced from a master seed stock (S97-773-340X2) in a 50-L floor model fermenter over two consecutive years. Following fermentation, cells were harvested, concentrated 10-fold, and cryogenically stored (-74°C). To assess processing protocols and determine shelf life of cryogenically stored vaccine, serials were tested for cell viability and vaccine potency at various intervals over 24 months. There were no significant differences in cell viability between the fresh vaccine and the stored frozen product. All serials provided a high level of protection (77-100% relative percent survival) against E. ictaluri infection in juvenile Channel Catfish and exhibited excellent poststorage viability. This data demonstrates that the live, attenuated, orally delivered vaccine can be stored at -74°C for at least 2 years with no reduction in cell viability or vaccine potency. Received May 17, 2016; accepted January 19, 2017.
authors.affiliation: a Thad Cochran National Warmwater Aquaculture Center, Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station, Mississippi State University , Post Office Box 197, Stoneville , Mississippi 38776 , USA.
authors.forename: Terrence E
authors.initials: TE
authors.lastname: Greenway
authors.affiliation: a Thad Cochran National Warmwater Aquaculture Center, Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station, Mississippi State University , Post Office Box 197, Stoneville , Mississippi 38776 , USA.
authors.forename: Todd S
authors.initials: TS
authors.lastname: Byars
authors.affiliation: b U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service-Mid-South Area , Biological Control of Pests Research Unit, National Biological Control Laboratory , Post Office Box 67, Stoneville , Mississippi 38776 , USA.
authors.forename: Robert B
authors.initials: RB
authors.lastname: Elliot
authors.affiliation: b U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service-Mid-South Area , Biological Control of Pests Research Unit, National Biological Control Laboratory , Post Office Box 67, Stoneville , Mississippi 38776 , USA.
authors.forename: Xixuan
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Jin
authors.affiliation: c Thad Cochran National Warmwater Aquaculture Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University , Post Office Box 197, Stoneville , Mississippi 38776 , USA.
authors.forename: Matt J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Griffin
authors.affiliation: a Thad Cochran National Warmwater Aquaculture Center, Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station, Mississippi State University , Post Office Box 197, Stoneville , Mississippi 38776 , USA.
authors.forename: David J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Wise
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D017756:Aquaculture; D020610:Edwardsiella ictaluri / Q000276:immunology*; D004756:Enterobacteriaceae Infections / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary*; D005285:Fermentation; D005393:Fish Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D007059:Ictaluridae; D014613:Vaccines, Attenuated
chemical_list: D014613:Vaccines, Attenuated