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).