Surface Immobilization Antigen of the Parasitic Ciliate Ichthyophthirius multifiliis Elicits Protective Immunity in Channel Catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) (original) (raw)

The study investigates the immunological responses of channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) to surface immobilization antigens derived from the parasitic ciliate Ichthyophthirius multifiliis. It highlights the role of these antigens in eliciting protective immunity against the parasite, focusing on the purification of i-antigens and their immunogenic effects in vivo. Results show that immunization with affinity-purified i-antigens resulted in a significant survival rate of fish challenged with live theronts, demonstrating their potential for use in vaccine development against ichthyophthiriasis.