Săndulescu Oana 1, 2, Streinu-Cercel Anca 1, 2, Săndulescu M. 1, Neguț Alina Cristina 1, 2, Calistru P.I. 1, Berciu Ioana 1, 2, Preoțescu Liliana Lucia 1, 2, Streinu-Cercel A. 1, 2
1 Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
2 National Institute for Infectious Diseases “Prof. Dr. Matei Balș”, Bucharest, Romania
Abstract
The burden associated with Staphylococcus species infections has steadily increased in clinical practice in the past few years. Understanding the mechanisms behind bacterial self-regulation is of utmost importance. In this paper, we describe the physiology of quorum sensing in Staphylococcus species, the main mechanism behind microbial cross-talk, coordination, and switching from expression of virulence traits to biofilm formation. We also review the main characteristics behind bacterial adherence and the particularities of biofilm formation in Staphylococcus species, with relevance to osteoarticular infections, dental surgery, cardiac surgery and the use of implanted foreign bodies, electronic devices, or indwelling catheters.