Int.J.Curr.Microbiol.App.Sci (2019) 8(7): 86-94 86 Review Article https://doi.org/10.20546/ijcmas.2019.807.012 New Dimension in Fish Immunotherapeutics: Avian Egg Yolk Antibody (IgY) Tapas Paul 1 , Anirban Pal 2 , Sampa Pal 3 and Nilav Aich 3* 1 Division of Aquatic Environment and Health Management, ICAR- CIFE, Mumbai, India 2 ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Odisha, India 3 Department of Fisheries, Tripura, India *Corresponding author ABSTRACT Introduction Antibodies are called immunoglobulins, a set of glycoprotein secreted by plasma cells in response to antigen exposure. Since last few decades antibodies are being used widely in the field of disease diagnosis, quantification and identification of specific antigens (Amro et al., 2018). Till recent year animal species were primary choice for researchers to produce specific antibody which involves steps like immunizing the animal with specific antigen, collection of blood, purification of antigen. Such process most of the times leads to death of the animal due to excessive loss of blood. With the discovery of IgY in the bird egg it has started to gain importance and broader application due to several advantages over mammalian antibodies produced. Chicken serum IgY transported to egg following similar pattern of placental transfer of IgG in mammals to protect the newly hatched chicken by providing passive immunity. Following similar function like International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 8 Number 07 (2019) Journal homepage: http://www.ijcmas.com Intensification in aquaculture practices has resulted the development of various diseases caused due to pathogens and water quality issues. In recent times, the usage of antibiotics for controlling bacterial diseases in aquaculture has been proven unsustainable and barren due to development of antibiotic resistance in pathogens one of the greatest human health challenges of the 21st century. Many measures have been used as potential alternatives to antibiotics including organic and inorganic acids, antibodies, probiotics and herbal products. Oral administration of Immunoglobulin (IgY) has attracted significant attention worldwide as a means of controlling infectious diseases of bacterial and viral origin in fishes due to its high specificity. In the present review, a holistic approach was studied to summarize the mode of action of IgY, advantage and application of IgY in aquatic organisms. Keywords Chicken Immunoglobulin (IgY), Aquaculture, Infectious disease Accepted: 04 June 2019 Available Online: 10 July 2019 Article Info