A compound that attacks a bacterial communication system is effective against an organism that attacks people with reduced immunity.

Many bacteria communicate with one another via the so called 'quorum sensing' system. This involves switching on of the organism's virulence against its host only when there is a 'critical mass' of organisms present. Typically, virulence may involve formation of a biofilm - that is, a tough outer coat that enables the organisms to resist attack by antibiotics.

The bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa is harmless to a healthy individual, but produces lethal infections in those with impaired immunity. It also works by quorum sensing. Researchers at the University of Buffalo, USA, have developed a compound which disrupts quorum sensing in P.aeruginosa . This restores the organism's sensitivity to antibiotics, for it cannot form a biofilm without quorum sensing. Given that many other bacteria use quorum sensing, this study may provide a useful lead to much-needed new anti-bacterial drugs.

Source

Chemistry & Biology 25th January 2003