Gene Silencing with Herbal Compounds against Bacteria

Abstract

Quorum sensing (QS) is an important process involved in bacterial survival and infections, recent research has focused on the development of therapeutic agents which prevent or manage bacterial pathogenesis by inhibiting bacterial QS. Inhibition of quorum sensing offers an alternative to antibiotic mediated bactericidal or bacteriostatic approach and reduces the risk for development of resistance. Inhibition of bacterial quorum sensing by attenuating the signals can prevent the development of bacterial and fungal virulence and successful establishment of infections. Understanding the quorum sensing inhibition activity of natural bioactive phytochemicals can lead to the discovery of novel compounds and development of more effective strategies in preventing and managing microbial infections. In this study the effect of Satureja khuzestanica extract, an endemic plant of Iran, on the expression level of QS gene in P. aeruginosa and A. baumanii were investigated.