1.2 Using quorum sensing to reduce antibiotic resistance

Vibrio cholerae are not the only pathogenic bacteria that use quorum sensing to control the expression of virulence genes. Quorum sensing in MRSA promotes the formation of biofilms which are aggregates of bacteria attached to a surface or tissue.

Biofilm formation on medical devices such as catheters or respiration tubes can be a major source of infection in intensive care units (ICUs) (Figure 3). Preventing biofilm formation by blocking quorum sensing could reduce the rate of antibiotic-resistant healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs).

Figure 3 Biofilm formation by Staphylococcus aureus on a catheter.

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The figure shows a scanning electron micrograph showing the Staphylococcus bacteria as white spheres over the surface of the tubing, which appears grey. The bacteria are attached to strands and sheets of matrix polysaccharide material which they have secreted over the surface. Each bacterium is about one micrometre in diameter.

Figure 3 Biofilm formation by Staphylococcus aureus on a catheter.