<i>Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus</i>: a potential ‘living antibiotic’ to control bacterial pathogens

Abstract

<i>Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus</i> is a small Deltaproteobacterium which, since its discovery, has distinguished itself for the unique ability to prey on other Gram-negative bacteria. The studies on this particular "predatory bacterium", have gained momentum in response to the rising problem of antibiotic resistance, because it could be applied as a potential probiotic and antibiotic agent. Hereby, we present recent advances in the study of <i>B. bacteriovorus</i>, comprehending fundamental aspects of its biology, obligatory intracellular life cycle, predation resistance, and potential applications. Furthermore, we discuss studies that pave the road towards the use of <i>B. bacteriovorus</i> as a "living antibiotic" in human therapy, focussing on its interaction with biofilms, the host immune response, predation susceptibility and <i>in vivo</i> application models. The available data imply that it will be possible to upgrade this predator bacterium from a predominantly academic interest to an instrument that could confront antibiotic resistant infections.