Bacteriovoracaceae

Bacteriovoracaceae is a family of bacteria that are known for their unique ability to prey on other bacteria. This family is part of the order Bdellovibrionales, within the class Deltaproteobacteria of the phylum Proteobacteria. The family currently consists of a single genus, Bacteriovorax.

Characteristics[edit | edit source]

Members of the Bacteriovoracaceae family are small, Gram-negative bacteria that are obligate predators of other bacteria. They are unique in their predatory lifestyle, which involves invading the periplasmic space of their prey and consuming their cellular contents.

The Bacteriovorax genus is characterized by a complex life cycle that involves a free-swimming attack phase and a reproductive phase inside the prey bacterium. During the attack phase, Bacteriovorax cells seek out and attach to suitable prey bacteria. Once attached, they invade the periplasmic space, where they grow and divide, eventually lysing the prey cell and releasing the progeny to seek out new prey.

Ecological Role[edit | edit source]

Bacteriovoracaceae play a significant role in controlling bacterial populations in various environments, including marine ecosystems, freshwater ecosystems, and soil ecosystems. They can significantly influence the composition and dynamics of microbial communities, and may also play a role in the biogeochemical cycles by recycling nutrients from lysed bacterial cells.

Medical Relevance[edit | edit source]

While Bacteriovoracaceae are not typically associated with human disease, their unique predatory lifestyle has sparked interest in their potential use as biocontrol agents against pathogenic bacteria. Research is ongoing to explore the potential of Bacteriovorax and other predatory bacteria as novel antibiotics or as part of biofilm control strategies.