Normal flora as a source of opportunistic pathogens

(S. epidermidis, S. mutans, P. aeruginosa, Candida albicans)

The Role of Quorum Sensing in Pathogenicity

The “biofilm phenotype”, does it exist

Attachment Type IV pili, flagellae
Matrix – Alginate
Virulence factors
Scheduled dispersal

The Transition from Commensal organism to Biofilm related pathogen.

Swarming behavior – While the precise advantages to these bacteria of being “on the go” via swarming motility are uncertain, this group behavior likely plays a role in disseminating this microorganism (P.a.) and affecting its ability to acquire nutrients. George O’Toole Microbe 3: 2008 p 65-71.
                         

LuxI and LuxR homologs as targets for antimicrobics

Greenberg in Quorum Sensing in Gram Negative Bacteria, 1997. ASM News 63:
 371-377. Kjelleberg et al. Furanone story.

Cheating among P. a. strains in CF patients

QS negative mutants are common.