Small-molecule quorum quenchers to prevent Staphylococcus aureus infection

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are one of the most significant current threats to human health. The diminishing antibiotic development pipeline coupled with the propensity for bacterial pathogens to evolve resistance represents an ongoing crisis that needs to be addressed [1] . Resistance development has long been a major concern with Staphylococcus aureus , a notorious bacterial pathogen that causes a wide spectrum of acute and chronic disease. The incidence of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) infections in both hospital and community settings continues to rise [2] , and healthcare-associated infections due to MRSA cost more and lead to longer hospital stays than those caused by any other bacterial pathogen [3] . Antibiotic stewardship to preserve the most efficacious treatments for severe bacterial infections needs to be at the forefront of strategies designed to address growing resistance challenges. How can these principles be applied to managing S. aureus disease burden? When considering the breadth of infections caused by S. aureus , the majority are skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs), resulting in 11.6 million ambulatory care visits per year [4] . In emergency departments, 76% of S. aureus cases are SSTIs and 59% of these are MRSA [5] . Many of these SSTIs would be considered uncomplicated and treated with straightforward courses of antibiotics. Considering these points, the load of antibiotic therapy being directed toward S. aureus SSTIs is significant, and it seems probable that this is contributing to resistance development. What if innovative countermeasures for SSTIs that do not drive resistance could be translated into approved therapies? Such a strategy could help preserve the most effective antibiotics for the severe, deep-seated S. aureus infections and enable uncomplicated infections to be treated more rapidly and effectively