Pathogenic Bacteria: Pathogenesis, Virulence Factors and Antibacterial Treatment Strategies

Although most forms of bacteria are harmless, pathogenic bacteria can cause disease and as such these microorganisms warrant scientific attention. Chapter One describes the virulence problem caused by extracellular polymeric substances and antibacterial compounds capable of inhibiting their production, biofilm formation, and bacterial pathogenicity. Chapter Two provides an overview of biophysical techniques that can validate targets of phytochemicals with anti-virulence properties that can help elucidate their mode of action. Chapter Three discusses terpenes’ anti-virulence modes of action, inhibition of biofilm, disruption of the cell wall and bacterial membrane, intercellular leakage, interruption of nucleic acids transcription, and interference with the quorum sensing signaling process. Chapter Four investigates the anti-pathogenic potential of essential oil from the plant asafoetida obtained through microwave-assisted extraction method. Finally, Chapter Five deals with the effect of audible sound waves on bacteria.