The Aquatic Animal Health Laboratory at the Devasahayam Institute of Fisheries Science and Technology (DIFST) is a state-of-the-art facility designed to offer comprehensive support for the study and research of aquatic animal health. The lab is structured into three specialized units, each equipped with advanced tools and resources to facilitate hands-on learning and in-depth research for students and researchers. These units include the Microbiology Unit, Histology Unit, and Serology Unit, each catering to specific aspects of aquatic animal health and disease diagnostics.
The Microbiology Unit at the Aquatic Animal Health Laboratory is dedicated to the isolation, identification, and study of a wide variety of microorganisms that affect aquatic species, including bacteria, fungi, and parasites. The unit is equipped with instruments that enable students to effectively isolate, culture, and identify microorganisms from aquatic animals. Essential chemicals and utensils are provided to support the microbial isolation and identification processes, ensuring students have access to all the necessary resources for accurate and efficient analysis. The unit also features incubators, laminar flow hoods, and autoclaves, which create a controlled environment for microorganism cultivation and ensure safety during experiments. Students gain hands-on experience with advanced microbiological techniques, helping them better understand microbial pathogens and their impact on aquatic species and ecosystems.
The Histology Unit is designed for the detailed study of tissue structure and function in aquatic animals. It offers students valuable practical experience in tissue preparation, sectioning, and staining, which are essential skills for assessing the health of aquatic species at the cellular level. The unit includes high-quality tissue sectioning equipment, such as microtomes, for precise cutting of tissue samples. Advanced staining facilities are available, enabling students to apply various histological stains that enhance tissue differentiation, making it easier to visualise different cellular structures under the microscope. Additionally, the lab provides comprehensive storage facilities for tissue samples, ensuring their preservation for future reference and analysis. Through this unit, students learn the intricacies of histopathology and gain the ability to diagnose diseases in aquatic animals by examining tissue changes caused by infections or environmental stressors.
The Serology Unit specializes in the study of the immune responses of aquatic animals, particularly in relation to disease outbreaks and vaccination efficacy. This unit is equipped with advanced serological testing instruments that enable students to perform complex immune assays for diagnosing infections and understanding immunity in aquatic species. The ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) Reader in the unit is a highly sophisticated instrument used for the detection and quantification of antibodies, antigens, and other immune markers in aquatic animals. The unit also offers a wide array of serological tests to diagnose bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections, providing students with a deeper understanding of immune responses. Additionally, the unit is equipped with incubation chambers, refrigerators, and microscopes, which further enhance the ability to conduct accurate and reliable serological analyses.