The bdellophage three-membered parasitic system.

Abstract

AbstractThe Bdellovibrio bacteriophage three-membered system consists of a bacteriophage (bdellophage) whose host is a small bacterium (Bdellovibrio) which grows parasitically in the periplasmic space of another bacterium. This review describes how bdellophages were discovered and the special features of their hyperparasitic system. Before going on with the story of the bdellophage, a short description of its host – the Bdellovibrio – seems necessary (a detailed description will be found in the several reviews which have appeared lately).1-3