Microbial Pandora's box : Interactions of free living protozoa with human pathogenic bacteria

Abstract

Protozoa seem to be the main reservoirs of important and common pathogenic bacteria. The existence of these microbial Pandora's boxes might explain the survival and persistence of bacterial pathogens in diverse natural and artificial habitats. We describe the peculiar characteristics of these eukaryotic microorganisms which can explain their role as pathogen source. Besides, we have reviewed in some detail the diversity and incidence of bacteriaprotozoa interactions that can be evolved from bacterial mechanisms to avoid predation and specially digestion by protozoa. Biological and sanitary consequences from human pathogenic bacteria and free-living protozoan interactions are analyzed. Future prospects are proposed in order to prevent and control potential risks for humans.