Aquatic Pathogens and Host Immune Responses

Dear Colleagues,

The aquaculture sector has seen a significant rise in importance in recent years, becoming a cornerstone for meeting the ever-growing global demand for fish and shellfish. Despite the successful establishment of certain farming practices, the industry still faces several formidable challenges, particularly in the area of disease prevention and control, where infectious diseases continue to cause substantial economic losses. The sector grapples with the emergence of novel diseases and variants, the lack of optimal vaccines for specific pathogens, the absence of approved antiviral treatments for use in aquaculture, the toxicity of certain antiparasitic agents, and the ongoing concerns related to antibiotic use. Furthermore, as new species are introduced into farming systems, there is an increasing necessity to develop innovative strategies for managing infectious diseases. These issues highlight the critical need for continued research in the fields of microbiology, pathology, and immunology as applied to aquatic organisms of both marine and freshwater environments. Additionally, the impact that certain environmental factors, such as microplastic pollution, water warming, or eutrophication, can have on the immune system of organisms is also of vital importance to the sector. In light of these challenges, we invite manuscripts that address any of these key aspects, applicable to both marine and freshwater organisms, for this Pathogens Special Issue. We welcome studies in the form of original research articles, reviews, or case reports.

Dr. Patricia Pereiro
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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