Midichloriaceae

Midichloria
Scientific classification
Domain:	Bacteria
Phylum:	Proteobacteria
Class:	Alphaproteobacteria
Subclass:	Rickettsidae
Order:	Rickettsiales
Family:	Midichloriaceae
Genus:	Midichloria

Midichloria is a genus of Gram-negative, non spore-forming bacteria, with bacillus shape around 0.45 µm in diameter and 1.2 µm in length. First described in 2004 with the temporary name IricES1, Midichloria species are symbionts of the hard tick Ixodes ricinus. They live in the cells of the ovary of the females of this tick species. These bacteria have been observed in the of the host cells, a trait that has never been described in any other symbiont of animals. Midichloria bacteria seem to consume the mitochondria they parasitize, possibly using them as a source of energy and/or molecules to multiply. The interaction of these symbionts with their host is currently unknown, though the 100% prevalence in the females of the host tick seems to suggest a mutualistic association.

Only one species, Midichloria mitochondrii, is described in this genus. Molecular screenings, however, have detected the presence of related bacteria in other tick species, as well as in other blood-sucking arthropods, suggesting the possibility of horizontal transmission of these bacteria.

It was given its own family, the Midichloriaceae, in the Rickettsiales. Some poorly studied candidate species belonging to this family may include Nicolleia massiliensis and the unclassified Montezuma strain.

The name of this bacterial genus, Midichloria (mi.di.chlo’ria. N.L. fem. n.), is derived from the midi-chlorians, a symbiotic, microscopic life form described in the fictional Star Wars universe.

The genome of Midichloria mitochondrii has been sequenced by an international scientific consortium formed by researchers belonging to the University of Milan, the University of Sydney, the University of Valencia, the University of Pavia, and the University of Milan Bicocca.

...
Wikipedia