The Origin and Phylogeny of the Bdellovibrios

Five strains of bdellovibrios, Bd. bacteriovorus 109J, 109D, Bd. starrii A3-12, Bd. stolpii, and Bd. BM4, have been characterized by the method of oligonucleotide cataloging. The first three are very closely related to one another. The last two are related to each other as well, but a specific relationship between these two groups could not be detected with certainty. However, all bdellovibrios are related specifically to the major bacterial group defined by the sulfate reducing bacteria and the myxobacteria.