Tenacibaculum maritimum infections can cause losses in mariculture, however there is no commercially
available vaccine in Australia. A vaccination trial was undertaken using 4 groups: Control, IP Control, Vaccine,
and Vaccine + Adjuvant. Within the challenge period of 27 days, significant protection was demonstrated in
fish injected with the Vaccine + Adjuvant compared to all other groups. RPS values were calculated at 79.6%
and 78.0%. Fish vaccinated without adjuvant did show lower mortalities than unvaccinated fish, however, it
was not significantly different from both unvaccinated groups. Low RPS values at 27.7% and 22.0% indicate
that the vaccine without adjuvant could not provide sufficient protection from a moderate challenge of
T. maritimum. Side effects of the oil based adjuvant, Freund's incomplete adjuvant (FIA) were noted. All
fish injected with the Vaccine + Adjuvant had black/brown pigment associated with the external surface
of the fundic region of the stomach. Histological examination revealed this material to be black/brown
pigmentation most likely caused by melanin. An inflammatory response was noted around this material with
the formations of granulomas and cysts.