Quorum sensing and biofilm formation in Streptococcal infections
Dennis G. Cvitkovitch, … , Yung-Hua Li, Richard P. Ellen
Dennis G. Cvitkovitch, … , Yung-Hua Li, Richard P. Ellen
Published December 1, 2003
Citation Information: J Clin Invest. 2003;112(11):1626-1632. https://doi.org/10.1172/JCI20430.
View: Text | PDF
Perspective Series

Quorum sensing and biofilm formation in Streptococcal infections

Abstract

Members of the bacterial genus Streptococcus are responsible for causing a wide variety of infections in humans. Many Streptococci use quorum-sensing systems to regulate several physiological properties, including the ability to incorporate foreign DNA, tolerate acid, form biofilms, and become virulent. These quorum-sensing systems are primarily made of small soluble signal peptides that are detected by neighboring cells via a histidine kinase/response regulator pair.

Authors

Dennis G. Cvitkovitch, Yung-Hua Li, Richard P. Ellen

×

Figure 1

Options: View larger image (or click on image) Download as PowerPoint
Eight-hour-old dental plaque was visualized using confocal scanning lase...
Eight-hour-old dental plaque was visualized using confocal scanning laser microscopy. Antibodies against Streptococcus gordonii DL1 and anti-receptor polysaccharides (RPS), commonly found on Streptococcus oralis, were used for indirect immunofluorescence along with the stain Syto 59. At least two staining types are seen within the aggregates: antibody-reactive (anti-DL1 [green], anti-RPS [purple]) cells found in direct association with antibody-unreactive (blue Syto 59–stained) cells. Single colonies containing all three staining types (anti-DL1, anti-RPS, and antibody unreactive) were frequently seen. Reproduced with permission from The Journal of Bacteriology (2).