Bdellovibrionia

Class of bacteria in the phylum Pseudomonadota

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Bdellovibrionia
Kingdom:
Phylum:	Pseudomonadota
Class:	Bdellovibrionia
Order:
Family:	'

Bdellovibrionia is a class of Gram-negative bacteria within the phylum Pseudomonadota. These bacteria are known for their unique predatory behavior, preying on other Gram-negative bacteria. Bdellovibrionia are of particular interest in microbiology and medical research due to their potential applications in controlling bacterial infections and biofilms.

Characteristics

Bdellovibrionia are small, highly motile bacteria that exhibit a distinctive predatory lifecycle. They are obligate aerobes and are typically found in aquatic environments, soil, and the intestines of animals. The most studied genus within this class is Bdellovibrio, which attacks and invades other Gram-negative bacteria.

Lifecycle

The lifecycle of Bdellovibrionia involves several stages:

Attachment: The predator attaches to the outer membrane of a susceptible Gram-negative bacterium. Invasion: It penetrates the outer membrane and enters the periplasmic space. Replication: Inside the periplasm, the Bdellovibrionia cell elongates and replicates, consuming the host's cellular contents. Lysis: The host cell is lysed, releasing new Bdellovibrionia cells to continue the predatory cycle.

This unique lifecycle makes Bdellovibrionia a subject of interest for potential therapeutic applications, especially in targeting antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains.

Ecological Role

Bdellovibrionia play a significant role in regulating bacterial populations in their natural environments. By preying on other bacteria, they help maintain microbial balance and can influence the composition of bacterial communities.

Research and Applications

Research into Bdellovibrionia has explored their use as living antibiotics. Their ability to prey on pathogenic bacteria without harming human cells makes them a promising tool in combating bacterial infections, particularly those resistant to conventional antibiotics. Studies are ongoing to understand their interactions with human microbiota and their potential impact on health.

Also see

• Bdellovibrio
• Bacterial predation
• Antibiotic resistance
• Microbial ecology