The role of quorum sensing in the in vivo virulence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen that causes a wide vari ety of infections. The cell-density-dependent signaling mechanisms known as quorum sensing play a role in several of these infections including cornea l, lung and burn wound infections. In addition, the quorum-sensing systems contribute to the ability of P. aeruginosa to form biofilms on medically im portant: devices. The quorum-sensing systems accomplish their effect by con troling the production of different virulence factors and by manipulating t he host immune response. (C) 2000 Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsev ier SAS.