Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus, a unique and fascinating bacterium, has distinguished itself for its predatory lifestyle and obligate intracellular life cycle. B. bacteriovorus is an obligate predatory bacterium that selectively prey, invade and consume broad range of gram-negative bacter ia including human pathogens. This abstract encapsulates the multifaceted aspects of B. bacteriovorus, highlighting its predatory mechanisms, ecological significance, and potential applications including wastewater treatment, biofilm eradication, and probiotic development. Due to their unique lifestyle, they have been considered as potential therapeutic and biocontrol agents.
Unlike most bacteria , which obtain nutrients through various metabolic processes, Bdellovibrio initially attaches to the surface of its prey bacterium, typically using its polar flagellum for motility. Once attached, it penetrates the outer membrane of the prey bacterium and enters the periplasmic space. Inside the periplasmic space, Bdellovibrio undergoes a developmental cycle, transitioning into a larger, elongated form known as the "bdelloplast." Within the bdelloplast, Bdellovibrio degrades the prey’s peptidoglycan layer by releasing enzymes, accessing nutrients for its own growth and replication. Bdelloplast grows inside the periplasm with certain specific growth rate until the prey resources are exhausted and offspring is produced. As Bdellovibrio proliferates within the bdelloplast, it eventually lyses the prey cell, releasing progeny cells into the surrounding environment. This process results in the death of the prey bacterium. f ollowing prey lysis, Bdellovibrio progeny are released into the extracellular environment, where they can search for another new prey cells to continue the predatory cycle . Apart from this Bdellovibrio has the ability to effectively penetrate biofilms layers and potential to kill biofilm forming bacteria.
This mode of action distinguishes Bdellovibrio as an obligate predator of other bacteria, particularly Gram-negative species. Its ability to penetrate and consume prey bacteria makes it a potential candidate for biocontrol applications against bacterial pathogens, including those resistant to antibiotics. Additionally, Bdellovibrio’s predatory behaviour contributes to the natural regulation of harmful bacterial populations in various environments. It shows pro mise as a natural agent for controlling bacterial pathogens including antibiotic resistant strains. Among the pathogenic bacteria, species belonging to Vibrio are the most common and widespread disease-causing agents in aquaculture. As highlighted Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus can potentially help us to meet challenges as an effective future control agent in the fight against harmful pathogens like Vibrio in aquaculture.