In alternative embodiments, provided are novel applications of bacteria which originate from the phylum of Actinobacteria and sub-order Corynebacterineae, family Dietziaceae, including genus Dietzia and other genera. Such bacilli can profoundly interfere with bacteria generally belonging to this and other phyla, and can be useful in treating chronic infections. Hence, such organisms can ameliorate or cure clinical infections caused by pathogens from this phylum such as Mycobacteriaceae and Mycobacterium such as M. tuberculosis and Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP),
