Quorum-Sensing Inhibitors as Potential Antibacterial Agents Against Staphylococcus aureus: A Comprehensive Review

Staphylococcus aureus is an important pathogen in humans, responsible for a wide range of community-acquired and nosocomial infections, and is especially known for its antibiotic resistance. Traditional therapies are increasingly failing, necessitating new approaches to antimicrobial therapy. One promising strategy involves the use of quorum-sensing inhibitors (QSIs) that target the communication systems of bacteria responsible for the regulation of virulence, toxin production, and biofilm formation. In this review, we provide an overview of QSIs by dividing the natural and synthetic QSIs and also their mechanism of action, the in vitro and in vivo assessments performed, and potential synergy with the conventional antibiotics. Literature was comprehensively reviewed from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases according to PRISMA guidance. QSIs showed great potential in interfering with the pathogenicity of S. aureus, especially with the accessory gene regulator (Agr) system. Nonetheless, bioavailability, selectivity, and translational issues persist. The review underlines the therapeutic potential and prospects of QS inhibition as an alternative antibacterial approach against S. aureus.