Molecular Pathogens 2024, Vol.15, No.2, 50-60 http://microbescipublisher.com/index.php/mp 57 (2019) and Rahman et al. (2018), should be prioritized. This includes exploring the potential of engineered phages, CRISPR-based genome editing, and other innovative approaches to enhance the effectiveness of microbial predators. The integration of high-throughput sequencing technologies to study microbial communities, as discussed in Massart et al. (2015), will also be crucial in understanding the complex interactions within the microbiome and optimizing biocontrol methods. 7.2 Technological innovations Technological advancements will play a pivotal role in the future of microbial predator-based disease management. The application of nanomedicine, as explored in Mehrabi et al. (2023), offers promising avenues for the delivery and enhancement of microbial predators. Nanotechnology can facilitate the targeted delivery of predatory bacteria to infection sites, improving their efficacy and reducing potential side effects. Additionally, the development of rapid diagnostic tools using micro-engineering and informatics, as mentioned in Massart et al. (2015), will enable the timely identification of infections and the appropriate deployment of microbial predators. Furthermore, the use of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies, as emphasized in Massart et al. (2015), will revolutionize our understanding of microbial ecosystems and their manipulation for disease control. These technologies can help identify key microbial interactions and guide the development of prebiotic approaches to steer the microbiome towards a pathogen-resistant state. 7.3 Integration with other disease management strategies For microbial predators to be effectively integrated into broader disease management strategies, a multi-faceted approach is necessary. Combining microbial predators with traditional methods, such as antibiotics and immunizations, can enhance overall treatment efficacy and mitigate the risk of resistance development. The concept of "One Health," which emphasizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, should be embraced to develop holistic disease management strategies. In agriculture, the integration of microbial predators with biocontrol agents and plant-optimized microbiomes, as discussed in Rahman et al. (2018), can lead to more sustainable and effective pest and disease management practices. This approach not only improves crop yields but also reduces the reliance on chemical pesticides, benefiting both human health and the environment. In conclusion, the future of microbial predators in disease management is promising, with significant potential for innovation and integration with existing strategies. Continued research and technological advancements will be essential to fully realize their potential and address the growing challenges of antibiotic resistance and emerging infectious diseases. 8 Concluding Remarks Microbial predators represent a promising frontier in disease management, offering novel approaches to combat bacterial infections, particularly in the face of rising antibiotic resistance. This section synthesizes the key findings from recent research, underscores the importance of microbial predators in disease management, and provides recommendations for future research. Recent studies have highlighted the significant role of microbial predators in various ecosystems and their potential applications in disease management. Predatory bacteria such as Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus and Micavibrio aeruginosavorus have demonstrated the ability to reduce bacterial burdens in vivo, showcasing their potential as biocontrol agents against Gram-negative pathogens. Additionally, Bradymonabacteria, a novel group of bacterial predators, have shown versatile survival strategies and a broad prey range, particularly in saline environments, indicating their ecological significance and potential utility in diverse settings3. The dual predation by bacteriophages and predatory bacteria has been shown to be more effective in eradicating bacterial prey than single predation, suggesting a synergistic approach to microbial control. Furthermore, studies have demonstrated that predatory bacteria can significantly contribute to bacterial mortality and nutrient cycling in microbial food webs, rivaling the impact of bacteriophages.
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