Molecular Pathogens 2024, Vol.15, No.1, 17-29 http://microbescipublisher.com/index.php/mp 25 8.3 Policy and regulatory frameworks Effective management of marine diseases also requires robust policy and regulatory frameworks. The inclusion of virus analysis in regulatory standards for shellfish is essential to ensure public health safety. Efforts are underway to develop standardized methods for virus detection in foodstuffs, which could be incorporated into legislation (Bosch and Guyader, 2010). Additionally, policies that prioritize marine disease research, improve ecosystem health, and establish better monitoring and response networks are crucial. Developing marine veterinary medicine programs and enacting comprehensive policies that address both marine and terrestrial wildlife diseases are recommended to enhance disease management (Glidden et al., 2021). Furthermore, understanding the links between climate change and marine diseases is vital for formulating effective resource management policies. 9 Future Directions and Research Needs 9.1 Advances in pathogen research The study of marine pathogens has made significant strides, yet several critical areas require further exploration. One of the primary research needs is the detection of origins and reservoirs for marine diseases, as well as tracing the flow of new pathogens from terrestrial to marine environments. Additionally, understanding the longevity and host range of infectious stages is crucial for managing disease outbreaks. The role of anthropogenic factors as incubators and conveyors of marine pathogens also needs to be pinpointed. Moreover, the development of more sophisticated epidemiological models tailored to marine systems is essential for analyzing disease dynamics (Bidegain et al., 2016). 9.2 Emerging technologies for detection and control Emerging technologies hold promise for improving the detection and control of marine pathogens. Advances in molecular biology, such as qPCR and proteomic-based techniques, have enhanced our ability to characterize diseases and understand pathogen-host interactions (Gotesman et al., 2018). The application of RNAi and CRISPR/Cas-based therapies shows potential in combating various types of diseases caused by viral and parasitic agents. Additionally, the use of remote sensing, computer technology, and data analytics can open new avenues for studying marine diseases and improving surveillance (Thurber et al., 2020). Rapid and specific identification of microbes from complex environmental samples is another area where technological advancements are needed (Thurber et al., 2020). 9.3 Interdisciplinary approaches Interdisciplinary approaches are vital for advancing our understanding of marine disease dynamics. Integrating knowledge from microbiology, molecular biology, and ecology can provide a more holistic view of disease mechanisms. For instance, expanding the pathogen component of the classic host-pathogen-environment disease triad to incorporate shifts in the microbiome leading to dysbiosis offers a better model for understanding coral disease dynamics. Furthermore, a multidisciplinary approach that addresses microbial symbiosis in both healthy and diseased states at the level of the holobiont will be key to progress in this area (Egan et al., 2016). Collaborative efforts across disciplines can also help in developing predictive models and management strategies for seagrass diseases under future global change scenarios (Sullivan et al., 2017). 10 Concluding Remarks The systematic review of marine pathogens and outbreak dynamics reveals several critical insights into the mechanisms driving disease emergence and spread in marine ecosystems. The dynamics of marine infectious diseases (MIDs) are influenced by complex interactions between hosts, pathogens, and environmental factors. For instance, the transmission of diseases in marine environments can occur through direct contact with waterborne pathogens or via filter-feeding processes, with scavengers playing a role in inhibiting disease spread by removing infected animals. Coral diseases, in particular, are significantly driven by environmental changes, with shifts in the microbiome contributing to disease dynamics. Climate change has been identified as a major factor exacerbating disease outbreaks by compromising host resistance and facilitating the spread of opportunistic pathogens.
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