Effect of UV-B radiation on the antibody response of fish – Implication on high altitude fish culture

• Incidence of UV-B radiation is directionally proportional to the altitude.
• Experimental UV-B radiation suppresses immune response of fish.
• High altitude fish farmers need to protect fish from UV radiation induced diseases.

Literally, all living forms are either directly or indirectly dependent upon sun for energy. Radiation from sun is differentiated into several components of a spectrum based on the wavelength. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation may be one of the infamous radiations emitted by the sun. Ozone depletion is another critical factor by which UV induced ill-effects are intensified. Though there are numerous studies on effects of UV radiation on terrestrial organisms, its effect on freshwater and aquaculture ecosystems has been largely neglected. Here, we report that enhanced UV irradiation may suppress the primary and secondary antibody responses to a soluble protein antigen in fish. Fishes exposed for longer periods (80 min) were particularly very sensitive to infection, as shown by our sensitivity index.