[Quorum sensing in fungal pathogenesis].

Quorum sensing is a function that allows microbes to monitor their own population densities by detecting their extracellular products collectively known as autoinducers. This function has been shown to be required for the expression of various virulence factors and drug resistance in a number of bacterial pathogens. In recent years, quorum sensing has been studied also in pathogenic fungi, particularly the dimorphic fungus Candida albicans. Here, we discuss (i) quorum sensing in C. albicans with emphasis on the role of farnesol as an autoinducer, (ii) quorum sensing in other fungi, (iii) comparison between fungi and bacteria regarding the quorum sensing mechanisms.