Can chatter between microbes prevent cholera?

Trends Microbiol. 2014 Dec;22(12):660-2. doi: 10.1016/j.tim.2014.10.006. Epub 2014 Nov 4.

Abstract

Tackling the global rise in antibiotic resistance requires new therapies against infectious microbes. A recent microbiome study identified commensal gut bacteria that reduce colonisation by the cholera pathogen, Vibrio cholerae. This antagonistic interaction might be mediated by quorum sensing, suggesting that these natural microbe-microbe interactions can help prevent infectious disease.

Keywords: AI-2; LuxS; bacterial signalling; cell–cell communication; microbiota; quorum sensing.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Comment

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cholera / microbiology*
  • Humans
  • Intestines / microbiology*
  • Male
  • Microbiota / physiology*
  • Ruminococcus / physiology*
  • Vibrio cholerae / pathogenicity*
  • Vibrio cholerae / physiology*