MODIFIED EXTRACELLULAR PRODUCT ANTIGENS OF AEROMONAS-SALMONICIDA AS POTENTIAL VACCINES FOR THE CONTROL OF FURUNCULOSIS IN ATLANTIC SALMON, SALMO-SALAR L

Extracellular product (ECP) antigens of Aeromonas salmonicida were modified in an attempt to improve on the protection level achieved by their use in vaccination. The antigens were tested in an antigen-induced proliferation assay, for the ability to induce antibodies as measured by dot blot assay and as vaccines in vaccination/challenge trials. Modifications tested included particularization on to polystyrene beads, coating on to sheep red blood cells, mixing with BCG vaccine as adjuvant, and attachment to the T-independent carrier Ficoll. The only modification that resulted in increased protection levels was the particularization on to polystyrene beads.