Understanding of Quorum – Sensing: A Possible Solution for Drug Resistance in Bacteria

Abstract

Quorum – sensing (QS) enables bacteria to establish cell- to – cell communication. Few among many QS molecules in bacteria are peptide and acylated homoserine lactones. QS regulate genes that code for invasion, spread and other virulence factors. It also takes part in biofilm formation. QS mediate via small signaling molecules known as auto inducers. Quorum – quenching inhibits QS. Several chemical compounds and enzymes mediate inhibition of QS, such as, lactonases, acylases and oxydoreductases. Other than these, there are some non-enzymatic methods for quorum quenching. Blocking of QS by QS inhibition (QSI) may play an important role to disrupt biofilm formation in a device - associated infection and chronic drug resistant infection. More researches are required in this area related with QS and QSI.