Pathogenicity of Aeromonas veronii from Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and efficacy of fish oral vaccine against motile aeromonad septicemia in tank trials

Abstract

Motile aeromonad septicemia (MAS), caused by the <i>Aeromonas</i> species, has been a serious problem in fish health management, particularly in Nile tilapia (<i>Oreochromis niloticus</i>). This study characterized an <i>Aeromonas</i> species isolated from farmed tilapia fingerlings in Binangonan, Rizal, Philippines, and tested for its pathogenicity in tank trials. The isolate, designated as <i>Aeromonas veronii</i> DFR01 (Diseased Fish Rizal), was identified based on 16S rRNA phylogenetic analysis, 16S rRNA homology, and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Its biochemical profile was generated from API and Biolog Gen III systems. A median lethal dose of <i>A. veronii</i> DFR01 was determined to be 10⁷ CFU/mL in tank trials and was utilized as a whole-cell inactivated antigen for oral vaccine development. The immunized tilapia fingerlings produced elevated levels of immunoglobulin M (IgM) in the blood as determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). There was a significant increase in IgM levels 14 days post-vaccination. A quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) showed increasing levels of IgM gene expression after vaccination until 38 days of culture. Vaccinated fish showed 25–35% cumulative mortality after the challenge, while non-vaccinated-challenged fish showed 75% mortality. The findings of this research suggest that the fish oral vaccine may prove beneficial for farmed tilapia populations. The vaccine elicited improved immune responses in the fish and resulted in higher survival rates.