Nanobacteria: myth or reality?

Arzumanian V.G., Mikhailova N.A.

The smallest forms of microorganisms (about 100-200 nm) are well known in microbiology, however the affiliation with living being is still a point at issue. Ten years ago an association of such forms with some human and animal diseases - cholelithiasis, urolithiasis, atherosclerosis etc. - have been discovered. These microorganisms were named nanonacteria (genus Nanobacterium ) and according to their molecular characteristics belong to subgroup of Proteobacteria. Special feature of Nanobacterium spp. is the rigid calcium hydroxyapatite capsule, which provide cells to grow in the aggressive environment and their stability against many factors lethal for other bacteria. Properties, cultivation conditions, mechanism of action and participation in several diseases are presented in the review.