Diversité et rôles des bactéries prédatrices de bactéries : zoom sur les Bdellovibrio et organismes apparentés (BALOs) / Diversity and roles of bacteria predators: focus on Bdellovibrio and related organisms (BALOs)

Abstract

This review describes a unique functional bacterial group referred to as Bdellovibrio and like organisms (BALOs). These gram-negative bacteria are obligate predators of other bacteria, with, on one hand, different predation strategies, a remarkable predation spectrum to cope with any type of competitiveness, as well as a competent life cycle ensuring efficient multiplication. On the other hand, this group could fulfil a similar ecological role as bacteriophages concerning the control of bacterial populations. As potentially important natural bio agents, they are more and more considered as alternatives to antibiotics and are investigated for potential uses in medicine and biotechnologies. However, before relying on them to help and heal us, their role in complex and uncontrolled in vivo systems needs to be experimentally assessed, unlike classic broth medium in the laboratory. This review uncovers what lies behind this group and explores their place in natural systems as well as their applications to improve human and animal wellbeing against pathogens increasingly resistant to antibiotics.