Efflux Pump-Mediated Quorum Sensing: New Avenues for Modulation of Antimicrobial Resistance and Bacterial Virulence

Bacterial pathogenesis is frequently enhanced by virulence mechanisms that facilitate growth. Such virulence factors include biofilm formation and antimicrobial resistance mechanisms. One primary resistance mechanism involves the active efflux of antimicrobial agents from cells of pathogenic bacteria. It has been established that quorum sensing serves as a line of communication between the environment and mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance, such as antimicrobial efflux pump systems from bacterial pathogens. This chapter covers several well documented antimicrobial efflux transporter resistance mechanisms and their relationships to key aspects of quorum sensing. Knowledge of these critical relationships may enhance their biotechnological applications.