Bacterial Cell-to-Cell Communication: Role in Virulence and Pathogenesis

Many bacterial diseases are caused by organisms growing together as communities or biofilms. These microorganisms have the capacity to coordinately regulate specific sets of genes by sensing and communicating amongst themselves utilizing a variety of signals. This book examines the mechanisms of quorum sensing and cell-to-cell communication in bacteria and the roles that these processes play in regulating virulence, bacterial interactions with host tissues, and microbial development. Recent studies suggest that microbial cell-to-cell communication plays an important role in the pathogenesis of a variety of disease processes.

Descibes latest developments in bacterial communication and the role of these mechanisms in disease.

Donald R. Demuth is Professor in the Department of Periodontics, Endodontics and Dental Hygiene at the University of Louisville School of Dentistry.

Richard Lamont is Professor of Oral Biology at the University of Florida.