The Antibody Response of Teleost Fish

Intensively farmed fish are periodically subjected to stressful conditions, and this can lead to outbreaks of disease. Historically, disease in farmed fish was managed by the administration of chemotherapeutants. However, with the increase in antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria, high cost of chemotherapy, short-term nature of protection, and public concerns about the use of chemicals, alternatives have been pursued. Although the first report of fish vaccination was published in the 1940s, it was not until the late 1970s that vaccination as a means of disease prevention became economic. Fish possess the ability to produce an antibody response to most antigens. However, a significant antibody response to an antigen does not always correlate with protection. Conversely, protection can be achieved without a significant antibody response. Here, we discuss the nature, expression, and distribution of fish immunoglobulin, including factors affecting the antibody response and uses of antibody in terms of immune status or exposure to pathogens. Copyright © 2002 by W.B. Saunders Company.