Predatory bacteria (Introduction)

by David Turell , Monday, February 22, 2016, 15:46 (3196 days ago)

One example is shown in this study of how E. coli protects itself. It may be possible to genetically modify predators to attack pathogens now resistant to antibiotics:-https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/02/160221142245.htm-"Meet Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus, a bacterial predator that is an efficient killer of Gram-negative bacteria, such as the prevalent E. coli bacterium. It is present in soil and, just like E. coli, it can also be found in the human gut, where a complex ecosystem of bacterial inhabitants exists.-"This ferocious bacterial predator enters its prey and devours it from the inside while dividing into four or six progenies. It then bursts open its prey and starts its hunt for the next. B. bacteriovorus is a formidable opponent: It is not only an efficient killer, but it is also extremely fast. Although the bacterium itself is hardly one micrometer long, it can reach speeds of 160 micrometers per second, making it the "world champion" in speed swimming and ten times faster than the E. coli.-"'Knowledge of defense and attack mechanisms in bacteria is crucial for future development of potential alternatives to antibiotics," explains Dr. Daniel Koster, from the department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem.-"B. bacteriovorus kills bacteria by a whole different mechanism of action than classical antibiotics, and as such, predatory bacteria might in the future constitute a viable alternative to these antibiotics," Koster says.-***-"Koster explained how E. coli was able to survive in the fragmented environment: "It seems that groups of E. coli 'hide' in the many corners of the fragmented environment, where they readily stick as bio-films that probably protect them against B. bacteriovorus. Our findings provide important information because in natural environments, such as our gut, the bacterium also lives in fragmented spaces."-"It is not yet known precisely how E. coli is able to defend itself against predatory bacteria, but the research contributes to the understanding of the behavior of the predatory bacteria, which could become a possible alternative to antibiotics in the future."-Comment: E. coli don't 'plan' to hide. They simply multiply everywhere and end up in 'hiding places'. Also they divide every 20 minutes which means they reproduce exponentially. If predator bacteria are modified for medical purposes they will have to used in enormous numbers and divide more quickly to kill all the bad bugs.