The advantages of replicon vectors of RNA viruses include a high ability to stimulate innate immunity and exponential amplification of target mRNA leading to high expression of foreign antigens. The present study aimed to construct a DNA-layered nervous necrosis virus (NNV) replicon vector system in which the capsid protein gene was replaced with a foreign antigen gene and to compare the efficiency of foreign antigen expression between the conventional DNA vaccine vector and the present replicon vector. We presented the first report of a nodavirus DNA replicon-based foreign antigen expression system. Instead of a two-vector system, we devised a one-vector system containing both an NNV RNA-dependent RNA polymerase cassette and a foreign antigen-expressing cassette. This single-vector approach circumvents the issue of low foreign protein expression associated with the low co-transfection efficiency of a two-vector system. Cells transfected with a vector harboring hammerhead ribozyme-fused RNA1 and RNA2 (with the capsid gene ORF replaced with VHSV glycoprotein ORF) exhibited significantly higher transcription of the VHSV glycoprotein gene compared to cells transfected with either a vector without hammerhead ribozyme or a conventional DNA vaccine vector expressing the VHSV glycoprotein. Furthermore, the transcription level of the VHSV glycoprotein in cells transfected with a vector harboring hammerhead ribozyme-fused RNA1 and RNA2 showed a significant increase over time. These results suggest that NNV genome-based DNA replicon vectors have the potential to induce stronger and longer expression of target antigens compared to conventional DNA vaccine vectors.

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with two Novirhabdovirus antigens (viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus, VHSV and infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus, IHNV) was used to detect specific antibodies against VHSV from olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) sera. In ELISA plates with VHSV culture supernatants (VHSV-Ag plate), optical density (OD) values for sera from olive flounder with VHS history (VHS sera) ranged from 0.64±0.36, and those of sera from fish without VHS history (non-VHS sera) ranged from 0.26±0.26. In IHNV-Ag plate, the OD values (0.43±0.28) for VHS sera were quite low compared to those in VHSV-Ag plates, while the OD values for non-VHS sera were almost similar. When the OD values for each serum were calculated by subtracting the OD values in the IHNV-Ag plate from those in the VHSV-Ag plate, the corrected OD values were significantly different between VHS sera and non-VHS sera. The results were completely in line with fish histories of VHS epizootics. It was considered that the corrected OD values may represent the true values recognized by VHSV-specific antibodies.

Spring viremia of carp virus (SVCV) poses a significant threat to numerous cyprinid fish species, particularly the common carp (Cyprinus carpio), often resulting in substantial mortalities. This study explores the potential use of a chimeric recombinant snakehead rhabdovirus carrying the SVCV G gene (rSHRV-Gsvcv) as a live vaccine against SVCV infection. Through virulence testing in zebrafish at different temperatures (15 ℃ and 20 ℃), no mortality was observed in groups infected with either rSHRV-wild or chimeric rSHRV-Gsvcv at both temperatures, whereas 100% mortality occurred in fish infected with wild-type SVCV. Subsequently, as no mortality was observed by rSHRV-Gsvcv, three independent experiments were conducted to determine the possible usage of chimeric rSHRV-Gsvcv as a vaccine candidate against SVCV infection. Fish were immunized with either rSHRV-Gsvcv or rSHRV-wild, and their survival rates against the SVCV challenge were compared with a control group injected with buffer alone at four weeks post-immunization. The results showed that chimeric rSHRV-Gsvcv induced significantly higher fish survival rates compared to rSHRV-wild and the control groups. These findings suggest that genetically engineered chimeric rSHRV-Gsvcv holds the potential for a prophylactic measure to protect fish against SVCV infection.

In this study, we analyzed the phylogenetic classification, epitope prediction, and pathogenicity of red sea bream iridovirus (RSIV) isolated from rock bream between 2019 and 2023. Phylogenetics based on genes encoding MCP and ATPase indicated that all five RSIV isolates belonged to RSIV subtype II. The deduced amino acid sequence of the MCP for the amplicons (1362 bp) obtained from RSIV isolates had a length of 453 amino acids. Among these, the amino acid sequences of the RSIV-19, 21, 22, and 23 isolates showed 100% identity, while the RSIV-20 isolate showed 99.78% identity with one residue difference at position 306. As a result of antigenicity analysis based on amino acid sequence, the antigenicity score of the RSIV-20 isolate was 0.6386 and the other RSIV isolates were 0.6365. Additionally, the prediction of their antigenic determinants resulted in a total of 17 identical antigenic plots. When each RSIV was inoculated into rock bream, no significant differences were observed with 100% cumulative mortality in all groups. This study provides data on the potential for genetic variation of RSIV isolated in the same marine area over the past five years, and the antigenicity and pathogenicity results of each isolate are expected to be useful information for selecting future vaccine strains.

This study evaluated in vitro antimicrobial properties of Bacillus subtilis KCTC 1326 as an environmentally friendly alternative to antibiotics. B. subtilis KCTC 1326 was characterized on biochemical properties and antibiotics susceptibility. It exhibited antimicrobial effects against all 12 species of fish bacteria used in this experiment. Among them, the largest antibacterial zone was observed for Streptococcus parauberis (34 mm), while the smallest antibacterial zone was observed for Citrobacter freundii (8 mm). Additionally, in the co-culture inhibitory assay of B. subtilis and Edwardsiella piscicida, the growth of E. piscicida was suppressed with increasing concentrations of B. subtilis KCTC 1326, with complete inhibition observed at 107 and 108 CFU/mL of B. subtilis KCTC 1326 after 24 hours of incubation. Moreover, at 48 hours of incubation, the growth of E. piscicida was inhibited across all concentration ranges of B. subtilis KCTC 1326. Therefore, this study indicated the utilizing of B. subtilis KCTC 1326 as an antimicrobial for controlling fish bacterial diseases.

A viable but non-culturable (VBNC) state is a survival strategy adopted by bacteria when faced with unfavorable environmental conditions, rendering them unable to grow on nutrient agar while maintaining low metabolic activity. This study explored the impact of temperature and nutrient availability on inducing VBNC state in Edwardsiella piscicida, the most important bacterial fish pathogen, and assessed its pathogenicity at VBNC state. E. piscicida was suspended in filtered sterile seawater and exposed to three different temperatures (4, 10, and 25℃) to induce the VBNC state. Subsequently, the induced VBNC cells were subjected to resuscitation by either raising the temperature to 28℃ or inoculating them in brain heart infusion broth supplemented with 1% NaCl. A propidium monoazide (PMA)-qPCR method was also developed to selectively quantify live (VBNC or culturable) E. piscicida cells. The results showed that the bacteria entered the VBNC state after approximately 1 month at 4℃ and 25℃, and 2 months at 10℃. The VBNC E. piscicida cells were successfully revived within 3 days in a nutrient-rich environment at 28℃, highlighting the significance of temperature and nutrition in inducing and resuscitating the VBNC state. In pathogenicity tests, resuscitated E. piscicida cells exhibited high pathogenicity in olive flounder comparable to cultured bacteria, while VBNC cells showed no signs of infection, suggesting they are unlikely to resuscitate in fish. In conclusion, this study contributes to our understanding of fish pathogen ecology by investigating the characteristics of the VBNC state under varying temperature and nutrition conditions.

2022년 7월부터 11월까지 제주 지역의 다양한 넙치양식장을 대상으로 세균성 질병 검사를 수행하였다. 검사를 진행한 3,146마리 중 세균이 검출되지 않은 1,918마리를 제외한 1,228마리에서 검출된 세균을 동정하였다. 그 결과, 773마리(24.6%)에서 Vibrio spp.가 검출되었으며, 그 중 34.8%가 V. harveyi로 확인되었다. S. parauberis와 Vibrio spp.가 동시에 검출된 넙치는 41마리(1.3%)로 나타났고, E. piscicida와 Vibrio spp.가 같이 검출된 넙치는 23마리(0.7%)로 확인되었다. 특히, 한 개체에서 S. parauberis와 Vibrio spp. (V. scophthalmi) 그리고 E. piscicida가 동시에 검출된 경우를 확인할 수 있었다.

Streptococcosis, caused by Streptococcus iniae and Streptococcus parauberis is an important bacterial disease that affects in olive flounder in Korea. In Korea, multivalent bacterial vaccines are used to prevent streptococcal diseases in aquaculture. In this study, commercial vaccines containing formalin-inactivated bacterial cells of S. iniae and S. parauberis were administered at six fish farms and one unvaccinated fish farm were designated for investigation (Wando; 4 sites and Jeju; 3 sites). Blood was collected from vaccinated and unvaccinated olive flounders, and titers of antibodies against S. iniae and S. parauberis in serum were analyzed using ELISA. After a one shot vaccination in the farms at Jeju (farm A) and Wando (farm D), the proportion of individuals with specific antibodies against S. parauberis OD values of 0.4 or higher was 60% and 53.5%, respectively. But after booster vaccination, the proportion of individuals with serum OD values of 0.4 or higher was higher substantially increased to 96.6% (farm A) and 100% (farm D). The levels of S. parauberis specific antibodies of olive flounder were increased after vaccination in three fish farms (farm D, E, and F), but not S. iniae specific antibodies.

Aeromonas spp. 감염은 관상어 산업뿐만 아니라 양식업에서도 상당한 경제적 손실을 초래하는 것으로 보고되고 있다. 한편 2022년 12월부터 2023년 1월 사이에 국내에서 사육중인 금붕어(Crassius auratus)에서 Aeromonas병증을 보이는 어체에 대해서 발병 원인균을 규명하기 위해서 조사 하였다. 병증을 보이는 금붕어의 피부와 내부 장기에서 그람 음성균이 분리되었다. Biochemical test와 16S rRNA gene으로는 Aeromonas 속까지 동정할 수 있었으나 종레벨까지는 구분하기 어려웠다. 이에 가장 상동성이 높았던 A.veronii를 대상으로 species-specific PCR을 수행했고 명확히 종 수준으로 동정할 수 있었다. 아울러서 장독소 유전자, 감염 실험 및 항생제 내성 분석을 수행하였다. 금붕어에 대한 균주의 생체 내 병원성 시험 결과, 실험 주사 후 일주일 이내에 감염된 숙주에서 100%의 치사율을 나타냈다. 장독소 유전자인 act 독력 유전자가 검출되었다. 균주의 항균제 감수성 분석 결과 대부분의 항균제에 감수성을 보였으나, Ampicillin, Imipenem, Meropenem 및 Clindamycin 약제에는 내성을 보였다.

Kudoa septempunctata, a myxozoan parasite, usually presents without any signs and primarily infects adult fish. The invasive diagnostic methods, such as tissue biopsy, can identify pathogens, but cause economic losses because they require killing the fish. In this study, we conducted a monitoring of four fish farms located on Jeju Island, to investigate the potential for non-invasive diagnosis of K. septempunctata using hyperspectral cameras. It provides spectral information from R000_B000_G000 to R255_B255_G255 for a total of 3,282 olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus). Each object is imaged with 2,000 data points, allowing comprehensive spectral analysis by comparing images obtained from negative control objects to positive control objects. Noticeable differences were observed in the brightness or pallor of the positive control images. This suggests the potential utility of hyperspectral imaging as a non-invasive diagnostic tool for detecting K. septempunctata infections in fish populations.

The Serranidae is high-quality fish species with good meat quality and is traded at high price, and is attracting attention in South Korea as a cultured species that creates high added value. However, the high-density fish farming for mass production increases the risk of mass mortality due to infectious diseases, leading to enormous economic losses. Therefore, in order to safely prevent and protect farmed fish from serious infectious diseases, it is necessary to conduct disease monitoring on a regular basis. In this study, Hyporthodus septemfasciatus, Epinephelus moara, and the hybrid longtooth grouper (E. moara ♀×E. lanceolatus ♂) were collected once a month from fish farm of Garorim and Aquabiotech Co., Ltd for a total of six months, from July to December 2023. We investigated infections of five species of bacterial diseases, including Flavobacterium columnare, six species of viral diseases, including LCDV (lymphocystis disease virus), and parasitic pathogens in grouper farms. As the result, Vibrio vulnificus and V. harveyi were detected in H. septemfasciatus in August, in the case of viral diseases, NNV was detected in H. septemfasciatus from July to August using RT-PCR or PCR. Finally, In the case of parasitic diseases, Tricodina sp. was detected in E. moara and the hybrid longtooth grouper from August to December.

본 연구에서는 넙치(Paralichthys olivaceus)에서 N-(4-(4-Fluorophenoxy)-3-methylphenyl) acetamide 주사 투여에 따른 넙치 비장의 NK cell 활성을 평가하기 위하여 120, 150, 200 mg/kg 용량으로 설정하고 3일에 1회, 30일 동안 총 10회의 주사를 투여하였다. 표적세포(Target cell)로는 쥐의 임파종 세포인 YAC-1 cell과 넙치의 HINAE cell을 사용하였고, 넙치 비장의 NK cell과의 공배양 시간은 4시간과 18시간을 선정하여 실험을 실시하였다. YAC-1 cell을 사용하여 실험의 경우 4시간과 18시간 공배양 실험 모두 200 mg/kg 용량 구간의 실험군에서 가장 높은 세포독성을 대조군 대비 최대 3.06배 높은 세포독성을 보였다. HINAE cell을 사용한 실험의 경우 4시간 공배양한 실험에서만 유의적인 차이를 보였으며, YAC-1 cell과 마찬가지로 200 mg/kg 용량 구간의 실험군에서 가장 높은 세포 독성을 보여 대조군 대비 2.3배 높은 세포독성을 보였다. 추가적으로 넙치의 두신 조직에서 IL-12b의 발현량을 확인하였고, 세포독성 실험과 일치하는 결과를 보였고, 200 mg/kg 용량 구간의 실험군에서 가장 높은 발현량을 보여 대조군과 비교하여 6.62배 높은 수치를 보였다. 이러한 결과는 N-(4-(4-Fluorophenoxy)-3-methylphenyl) acetamide가 넙치의 NK cell 활성에 영향을 줄 수 있다는 것을 보여준다.

Viral diseases cause enormous economic losses to the olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) aquaculture industry in Korea. This study aimed to identify immune-related genes expressed in the kidney of olive flounder injected with Polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (Poly (I:C)). Thirty fish were divided into two groups by intraperitoneal injection of 100µl of diethylpyrocarbonate-treated water or poly I:C per fish. Kidney tissues at day 3 and 30 after the injection were used for RNA-seq analysis to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Poly I:C group upregulated il8, cfh, tnfaip2b, c3b.2, ly6d and cd38 genes at 3 days post-injection. Additionally, cd22, ccl34a.3, c9, cxcl19, ccl27a, ccl7, and cfh genes were upregulated at 30 days post-injection. Differential expression gene analysis showed that poly I:C has both short and long-term immune effects in olive flounder. This study provides a theoretical basis for understanding the molecular mechanism of the short and long-term immune effects of poly I:C.

This study is a report on combinational effects between four sesquiterpene lactones (SLs) from bay laurel (Laurus nobilis) leaves, and oxytetracycline (OTC) or amoxicillin (AMX) against four fish pathogenic bacteria such as Vibrio anguillarum, V. harveyi, Edwardsiella tarda, and Streptococcus iniae. Individually, four SLs exerted little antibacterial activity against fish pathogenic bacteria. However, when combined with OTC or AMX, they showed synergistic interaction against pathogenic bacteria. Especailly, zaluzanin C (1) reduced the MIC of OTC (or AMX) eight-fold. Our results showed that combinations of SLs with antibiotics (ABTs) are more effective than ABTs alone to control pathogenic bacteria. The highest synergistic effect was observed when zaluzanin C (1) was combined with OTC or AMX against V. harvey or S. iniae, displaying significant reductions of MICs up to 8-fold (0.125 to 0.015 ㎍/mL and 0.0078 to 0.0009 ㎍/mL). In addition, zaluzanin C (1) improved the antibiotic potency of OTC against OTC resistant V. harveyi (250 ㎍/mL to 62.5 ㎍/mL). Synergism between ABTs and phytochemical such as SLs could be a therapeutically helpful concept to improve the efficacy of ABTs and prevent antibiotic resistance. These results suggest that SLs can be used as an alternative to reduce antibiotic resistance in aquaculture.

In this study, nylon mash and silicone tube mainly used as shrimp farm equipment were contaminated with Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP) which is the cause of Hepatopancreatic microsporidiosis (HPM), and were treated with calcium hypochlorite or UV-C disinfection methods for EHP eradication. As a result, similar with the control group (not disinfected), EHP was detected on the nested PCR until the 10 days in the UV-C single treated group. On the other hand, EHP was not detected from 7 days in calcium hypochlorite single treated group (total concentration 200 ppm as available chlorine), and combination of calcium hypochlorite and UV-C treated group revealed no detection of EHP from 3 days. It is appropriate that treated with UV-C and calcium hypochlorite for 3 days or single treated with calcium hypochlorite for 7 days to eradicate EHP on contaminated instrument used in shrimp farms. In contrast, disinfection effect of only using UV-C is very low.

The World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) recommends two protocols (ITS and COI) for conventional PCR of G. salaris diagnosis. However, ITS PCR protocol may yield false-positive results, leading to unnecessary countermeasures. It's difficult to distinguish between G. salaris and false-positive by similar amplicon size of PCR, since the amplicon size of ITS PCR in G. salaris and false-positive was 1,300 and 1,187 bp, respectively. The nucleotide sequences of ITS false-positive in rainbow trout is 99.7% identical to previously reported host genome sequences of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and 95.3 to 89.1% identical to those of other salmonid fish species. To reduce false-positive PCR band, PCR was performed by the different annealing temperature, but PCR bands were still detected. In RFLP analysis by HaeIII, the PCR product of G. salaris was digested into four bands of 512, 399, 234 and 154 bp, while the false-positive was digested into seven bands of 297, 263, 242, 144, 93, 80 and 68 bp. In the RFLP patterns digested by HindIII, G. salaris showed two bands of 659 and 640 bp, while false-positive had one fragment of 1,187 bp without any digestion. Therefore, the RFLP method of ITS PCR with HaeIII and HindIII can be used for differentiation between G. salaris and false-positive. These results might provide important information on the improvement of PCR diagnostic method of G. salaris.

A blood parrot (Amphilophus citrinellus × Vieja melanurus) cichlid showing a flared left operculum was sent to the Fish Disease Clinic. The fish showed intermittently irregular ventilation and reddish soft swellings located at the ventral part of the left branchial cavity for one month. Other abnormal symptoms were not observed, and the appetite was normal. Only a putative diagnosis was conducted based on the history taking and external symptoms because the owner did not want an invasive biopsy or other potentially stressful examination of the fish. Therefore, considering the information available and the treatability, goiter (thyroid hyperplasia) was suspected as the top differential diagnosis, and the empirical treatment of administering iodide (0.03~0.015ppm) in environmental water was conducted. The treatment was discontinued for six months because the swelling was noticeably reduced. Body color became pale, but other abnormal signs were not observed.