Phytochemical Compounds Targeting the Quorum Sensing System as a Tool to Reduce the Virulence Factors of Food Pathogenic Bacteria

Despite the advances in antibiotics, disinfectants, and hygiene programs, the cases of infectious diseases caused by pathogenic bacteria are still a worldwide problem. Virulence factors regulate the ability of bacteria to infect the host, and these allow the survival and growth of pathogens. However, the production of virulence factors requires a high-energy expense, and bacteria have developed a complex regulatory network called quorum sensing to respond to environmental challenges. Therefore, targeting the quorum sensing system could be an alternative to prevent bacteria from producing virulence factors; it should be noticed that this target has been commonly obviated in conventional antibiotic and disinfectant formulations. The use of phytochemical compounds is widely studied as an alternative anti-virulence option against pathogenic bacteria. Phytochemicals have been able to inhibit the processes of the ...