Development of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases in Aquaculture: A Study on Fish Health Management

Abstract

The increasing global reliance on aquaculture to meet the demands for sustainable protein has brought infectious disease management to the forefront of fish health research. This study explores the development and application of vaccines as a primary strategy for preventing and controlling infectious diseases in aquaculture. Through a comprehensive review of current literature and data synthesis, we examined various vaccine types, including live attenuated, inactivated, subunit, DNA, autogenous, and mRNA-based formulations. Our findings indicate that while live attenuated and mRNA vaccines offer the highest protection rates—90% and 85% respectively—their application is tempered by concerns over safety, cost, and field readiness. Subunit and inactivated vaccines, although safer, exhibit lower immunogenicity and often require adjuvants or booster doses. The study also highlights significant gaps in vaccine development for fungal and parasitic pathogens, emphasizing the need for research diversification. Additionally, delivery methods such as injection, immersion, oral, and nanoparticle-mediated systems were assessed for their efficiency and practicality, with nanoparticle-based delivery emerging as a promising future avenue due to its capacity for targeted and sustained immune responses. Visualization of data through comparative tables and simulations revealed clear trends: vaccines significantly reduce mortality and improve fish health, yet adoption varies by pathogen type, region, and farm scale. The broader implications of this work underscore the alignment of vaccine-based interventions with One Health principles, offering a sustainable, environmentally friendly alternative to antibiotics while enhancing biosecurity and supporting global food systems. This study advocates for continued investment in aquaculture immunoprophylaxis, coupled with integrative policy and technological advancements, to secure the industry's future resilience.