Research and development of vaccine for oral administration via feed for control of streptococose in tilapia

• Grant number: 18/08591-1
• Support type: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Duration: July 01, 2019 - March 31, 2020
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Veterinary Medicine
• Principal researcher: Matheus Martinez Faccioli
• Grantee: Matheus Martinez Faccioli
• Company: Farmacore Biotecnologia Ltda (FARMACORE)
• CNAE: Fabricação de medicamentos para uso veterinário ; Pesquisa e desenvolvimento experimental em ciências físicas e naturais
• City: São Paulo
• Pesquisadores principais:( Últimos ): Celio Lopes Silva
• Pesquisadores principais:( Antigos ): Matheus Martinez Faccioli
• Assoc. researchers: Giovani Sampaio Gonçalves ; Isabela Maria de Mello
• Associated grant(s): 19/27857-5 - Research and development of oral administration vaccine viation for control of streptococosis in tilapies, AP.PIPE
• Associated scholarship(s): 19/21404-9 - Research and development of oral administration vaccine viation for control of streptococosis in tilapies, BP.TT

Abstract

Fish farming is identified as the segment responsible for a significant increase in the world supply of animal protein. Due to its water potential, Brazil has great capacity, not only for production, but also for domestic consumption and fish exports. The growth of Brazilian tilapia production is quite significant, rising from 273,268 tons in 2005 to 640,500 tons in 2016. However, deficiencies in water and fish management and frequent water contamination compromise fish immunity and sanity. The control of outbreaks of infections, especially those caused by the bacterium Streptococcus agalactiae, is laborious, difficult and expensive. This pathogen, mainly that of serotype Ib, is responsible for a high fish mortality and more than 30% of economic losses in the sector. The use of antimicrobial agents in water, while effective, is costly to produce and has drawbacks such as water contamination, the emergence of bacterial strains with resistance to antibiotics, and serious consumer risks and serious regulatory impediments to export. Some types of vaccines are already commercialized, being those produced from attenuated bacteria the most used. These vaccines are administered by injection or by immersion baths. Although they have good immunogenicity, in both cases there are serious disadvantages of use, mainly related to the cost, quantity used for immunization, and the practicality in the management of the animals. A good alternative is the development of an inactivated and microencapsulated bacterial vaccine containing a potent adjuvant that can be administered orally along with feed. The main objective of this project is the development of an inactivated and microencapsulated bacterial vaccine together with beta glucan adjuvants and mineral oil, which can be used in the coating of feed, be administered orally, does not require manipulation of the fish, is easy to administer and control, is appropriate to immunize large amounts of animals at the same time, without stress and at low cost, activates innate and acquired mucosal immunity (humoral and cellular), and protects tilapia against infections caused by S. Agalactiae. The project contemplates: obtaining and characterizing the bacterial strain S. Agalactiae of serotype Ib isolated from fish with streptococcosis; definition of culture conditions and growth of the bacteria; production of bacteria in scale in 20L bioreactor and establishment of inactivation and concentration conditions; establishment of conditions for microencapsulated vaccine formulation and feed coating; definition of experimental groups and implementation of the experimental vaccination protocol; establish the conditions and immunization schedules adequate to stimulate the innate and adaptive immune system (humoral and cellular immunity); and assessment of immunogenicity and safety in the target animals. The development of this vaccine will positively impact the national science and technology scenario, as well as bring significant benefits to the market, society and the environment. Among the main impacts can be highlighted: introduction of an innovative vaccine product in the veterinary market for immunization and effective control of bacterial diseases in fish that cause significant economic losses for Brazil; reduce fish mortality in breeding tanks and increase productivity; eliminate the use of antibiotics and decrease bacterial resistance; reduce the current high costs of antimicrobial treatments; improve the quality of products for domestic consumption and export; improve the quality and consumption of fish by the Brazilian population; create a new business opportunity generated by the lack of a similar product on the market; reach the market with an immunobiological product developed 100% by a national biotechnology company; establish in Farmacore a technological platform for R&D&I of oral vaccines for the veterinary sector; and greater preservation of the environment. (AU)