Virulence factor targeted bacteriophage

Patent Pending Strategies to target virulence factors and the genes encoding them have been proposed.[2] Small molecules being investigated for their ability to inhibit virulence factors and virulence factor expression include alkaloids,[3] flavonoids,[4] and peptides.[5] Experimental studies are done to characterize specific bacterial pathogens and to identify their specific virulence factors. Scientist are trying to better understand these virulence factors through identification and analysis to better understand the infectious process in hopes that new diagnostic techniques, specific antimicrobial compounds, and effective vaccines or toxoids may be eventually produced to treat and prevent infection.