The Predatory Bacteria Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus LR3: A Potential Biocontrol Agent Against Gram-Negative Pathogenic Microorganisms

The paper describes a predatory Gram-negative bacterium from the genus Bdellovibrio, which was isolated from water of the Lyubozhikha River. As revealed by electron microscopy, the bacterium is an intracellular predator of Gram-negative microorganisms. Its prey range includes Pseudomonas tolaasii, the phytopathogen responsible for brown spot disease in the cultivated button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus). Based on the results of a 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, the bacterium was identified as Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus strain LR3. We characterized the predator–prey dynamics between B. bacteriovorus LR3 and P. tolaasii, determining the optimal temperature and pH conditions for this interaction. Our results demonstrate the potential of B. bacteriovorus LR3 as a biocontrol agent against P. tolaasii in mushroom cultivation. The possibility of using B. bacteriovorus LR3 against clinical cases Salmonella and Escherichia infections is also addressed.