Prevalence of quorum sensing luxS gene in multidrug resistant uropathogens

This study shows that antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in community-acquired urinary tract infections (UTIs) is strongly associated with bacterial communication systems that promote resistance. Among isolates, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp. were most prevalent, with over 90% of strains resistant to at least three antibiotics. While about one-third of isolates formed biofilms, a much higher proportion (over 90%) carried the luxS gene, a key component of the universal AI-2 quorum sensing system that regulates virulence and biofilm formation. This suggests that quorum sensing plays a central role in the development of multidrug resistance, highlighting it as a promising target for adjunct therapies to improve the treatment of resistant UTI infections.