Interactions Between Bacteria and Nematodes

Abstract

In this review, we have described some examples of symbiotic and pathogenic interactions that occur between bacteria and soil-dwelling nematodes. Recent genetic analysis of these bacteria-nematode interactions has led to a significant increase in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms controlling how bacteria infect their hosts and, more importantly, the role of the host in determining the output of the infection, i.e. symbiotic or pathogenic. This research will continue to provide important information in our fight against pathogenic infections of humans and other mammals.