Immunological Response Assessment Through Hematology, Phagocytosis, and Gill Morphology in Hybrid Giant Grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus × E. lanceolatus) Vaccinated Against Vibrio harveyi Using Integrated Whole Cell-Extracellular Product-Nano-Chitosan-Caulerpa lentillifera Formulation

Putra, Renanda; Hertika, Asus Maisar Suryanto; Inggrida, Jedda Ayu; Putra, Arendra Nicky Anugerah; Setiawan, Faris; Achmadi, Alya Madha Su&#039;a

doi:10.21608/ejabf.2025.417298.6474

Immunological Response Assessment Through Hematology, Phagocytosis, and Gill Morphology in Hybrid Giant Grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus × E. lanceolatus) Vaccinated Against Vibrio harveyi Using Integrated Whole Cell-Extracellular Product-Nano-Chitosan-Caulerpa lentillifera Formulation

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ PSDKU of Aquaculture, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science, University of Brawijaya

² Water Resources Management, Fac. of Fisheries and Marine Science, University of Brawijaya

³ PSDKU Social Economics, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Brawijaya, Jl. Veteran, Malang, Indonesia

⁴ Student of PSDKU Aquaculture, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Universitas Brawijaya. Jl. Pringgodani, Mrican, Kec. Mojoroto, Kabupaten Kediri, Jawa Timur 64111

⁵ student of PSDKU Aquaculture, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Universitas Brawijaya. Jl. Pringgodani, Mrican, Kec. Mojoroto, Kabupaten Kediri, Jawa Timur 64111

10.21608/ejabf.2025.417298.6474

Abstract

Vibriosis is a significant pathogenic issue leading to high mortality rates in giant grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus × Epinephelus lanceolatus), mostly due to infections by Vibrio harveyi. This study examined the effectiveness of an oral vaccine formulation that includes extracellular product (ECP) extracts and whole cell (WC) preparations of Vibrio harveyi, in conjunction with nano-chitosan and Caulerpa lentillifera extract, to improve vibriosis resistance in giant grouper. The experimental protocol entailed the cultivation of Epinephelus spp. juveniles (10– 12cm total length) over a 30-day duration across five distinct treatments: Control; Caulerpa lentillifera extract treatment; ECP in conjunction with nano-chitosan; WC in conjunction with nano-chitosan; and a combination of ECP, WC, nano-chitosan, and Caulerpa lentillifera extract. The primary response parameters evaluated comprised hematological profiles, phagocytic activity, and histological investigation of the gills. The results indicated that the combination of nano-chitosan and WC derived from Vibrio harveyi, supplemented with Caulerpa lentillifera extract, greatly improved immune system activation relative to alternative therapies. This formulation significantly enhanced hematological indices, phagocytic responses, and gill histoarchitecture in giant grouper after exposure to Vibrio harveyi. The data indicate the efficacy of nano-chitosan, WC, and Caulerpa lentillifera -based oral immunization as a prophylactic approach against Vibrio harveyi infections in aquaculture systems, necessitating additional research for commercial application.

Keywords