Lytic activity of Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus against bacteria of the family Legionellaceae.

A lytic activity of Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus strains 6-5-S and 12 was found to be present, against representatives of three Legionella species: Legionella pneumophila-strains Knoxville 1 (serogroup 1), Togus 1 (serogroup 2), Bloomington 2 (serogroup 3) and Los Angeles 1 (serogroup 4); Legionella micdadei-strain Tatlock; Legionella bozemanii-strain Wiga, as well as against strains of Legionella pneumophila isolated in Bulgaria-Draginovo 1, 2, 3-belonging to serogroup 1. It is suggested that B. bacteriovorus participates in the self-purification of the environment from legionellae.

Isolation of Legionella pneumophila in Bulgaria.

Microorganisms have been isolated from water samples obtained from a small warm mineral lake. The growth, staining, biochemical and antigenic properties of the microorganisms suggest that they belong to legionella pneumophila serogroup 1. This is the first isolation of Legionella in Bulgaria. The necessity of careful search for legionellosis in this country was underlined.