Efficacy of an inactivated polyvalent Edwardsiella ictaluri vaccine with booster in enhancing immune response and protection in striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus)
摘要
Developing a polyvalent vaccine strategy offers promising protection against diverse heterologous strains of Edwardsiella ictaluri. This study evaluated the efficacy and immune responses induced by an inactivated whole-cell polyvalent E. ictaluri vaccine, administered with or without a booster, in striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus). Fish were vaccinated using inactivated polyvalent bacterin at concentrations of 101⁰ and 10⁹ CFU mL⁻1. Vaccine performance was assessed through both specific and non-specific immune parameters and relative percent survival (RPS). The vaccine at 101⁰ CFU mL⁻1 with a booster significantly enhanced antibody titers, phagocytic and lysozyme activities, respiratory burst, lymphocyte counts, and the expression of MHC class II and IL-1β genes. This formulation achieved the highest RPS values of 90.47%, 55%, and 60% against pathogenic E. ictaluri isolates PJbH, P, and PBm1G, respectively. In contrast, non-booster groups exhibited lower protection (RPS 61.90%, 42.85%, and 44.64%). In conclusion, the inactivated polyvalent vaccine at 101⁰ CFU mL⁻1, with a booster, effectively strengthened both humoral and cellular immunity, providing robust protection against E. ictaluri infection in striped catfish.