Title:Quorum Sensing - A Stratagem for Conquering Multi-Drug Resistant Pathogens
Volume: 27
Issue: 25
Author(s): Madison Tonkin, Shama Khan, Mohmmad Younus Wani and Aijaz Ahmad*
Affiliation:
- Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Pathology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2193,South Africa
Keywords:
Quorum sensing, multi-drug resistance, quorum sensing inhibitors, biofilms, micro-organisms, pathogenesis.
Abstract: Quorum sensing is defined as a cell to cell communication between micro-organisms, which enables
micro-organisms to behave as multicellular organisms. Quorum sensing enables many collaborative benefits
such as synchronisation of virulence factors and biofilm formation. Both quorum sensing, as well as biofilm
formation, encourage the development of drug resistance in micro-organisms. Biofilm formation and quorum
sensing are causally linked to each other, playing a role in the pathogenesis of the micro-organisms. With the
increasing drug resistance against the available antibiotics and antifungal medications, scientists are combining
different options to develop new strategies. Such strategies rely on the inhibition of the communication and virulence
factors rather than on killing or inhibiting the growth of the micro-organisms. This review encompasses
the communication technique used by micro-organisms, how micro-organism resistance is linked to quorum
sensing, and various chemical strategies to combat quorum sensing, thereby, drug resistance. Several compounds
have been identified as quorum sensing inhibitors and are known to be effective in reducing resistance
as they do not kill the pathogens but rather disrupt their communication. Natural compounds have been identified
as anti-quorum sensing agents. However, natural compounds have several disadvantages. Therefore, the
need for the development of synthetic or semi-synthetic compounds has arisen. This review argues that antiquorum
sensing compounds are effective in disrupting quorum sensing and could, therefore be effective in reducing
micro-organism drug resistance.
