Pathogenic Mechanism of Intestinal Microbes in Fish and Shrimp

Dear Colleagues,

Aquaculture, the farming of aquatic animals and plants, is not just an important economic activity, but also a sustainable option to provide protein-rich food to the ever-growing global population. To meet the global demand, aquaculture production practices have been intensified to a significant extent, both in technological and practical measures. However, the pressure for intensification and further expansion of culturing systems has created many problems, and the aquaculture industry is facing serious problems due to diseases. According to the estimates of the World Bank, the annual loss due to diseases in aquaculture alone is more than USD 3000 million. So far, even in cases where the clinical signs of diseases have been well described, little is known about how the presence of a pathogen may impact or interact with the microbial communities in the gut. The microbes that colonize the gut, generally referred to as the gut microbiota or the gut microbiome, interact with their host and contribute to several key host processes, including digestion and immunity. In this regard, the micro-ecosystem gut microbiota is a symbol of health status. Fish and shrimp productivity is intimately linked to gut health management, and the gut microbiome is becoming increasingly recognized as an essential diver of cultivation success. 
Understanding the pathophysiology and pathogenic mechanism of intestinal microbes is crucial for the health and functioning of the fish and shrimp, in terms of biomarker discovery and development of new therapeutic approaches.
In this Special Issue, we cordially invite researchers from across the world to contribute their cutting- edge work on recent advances on gut microbiota in fish and shrimp health. All types of articles focusing on the pathogenic mechanisms and gut health management of fish and shrimp will be considered for publication, including: composition and functioning of the intestinal microbiome in normal and pathological conditions, interactions between ‘health-promoting’ microorganisms and disease-caused pathogens, the discovery of intestinal biomarkers in health status and dysbiosis, epidemiology and risk factors when there’s a disease outbreak, animal models on the intestinal microenvironment, and innovative antibiotic-free treatments for pathogen infections. 
We look forward to your contribution.

Dr. Jiasong Zhang
Dr. Xiaoting Zheng
Dr. Vikash Kumar
Guest Editors

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