Abstract: Methods for selectively manipulating a growth rate of a selected bacterium comprising the step of contacting the selected bacterium with a predetermined amount of a quorum sensing molecule to affect a change in the growth rate of the selected bacterium, wherein the quorum sensing molecule is species specific, and the change in the growth rate is dependent on the amount of quorum sensing molecule in a dose-dependent fashion. Also provided are methods for treating or protecting against bacterial infections by utilizing the dose-dependent response of bacterial quorum sensing systems. The methods can be applied to a wide range of bacteria species including Streptococci, Staphylococci, and Bacilli. Compositions, medicaments and oral formulations for use with the methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for selectively manipulating a growth rate of a selected bacterium comprising the step of contacting the selected bacterium with a predetermined amount of a quorum sensing molecule to affect a change in the growth rate of the selected bacterium, wherein the quorum sensing molecule is species specific, and the change in the growth rate is dependent on the amount of quorum sensing molecule in a dose-dependent fashion. Also provided are methods for treating or protecting against bacterial infections by utilizing the dose-dependent response of bacterial quorum sensing systems. The methods can be applied to a wide range of bacteria species including Streptococci, Staphylococci, and Bacilli. Compositions, medicaments and oral formulations for use with the methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions, medicaments, and methods for the treatment or prophylaxis of conditions associated with the binding of Streptococcus mutans to teeth. Specifically, the present invention provides a method for preventing dental caries and infective endocarditis in a subject by treating the subject's oral cavity with a composition or medicament comprising the competence stimulating peptide (CSP) of the causative bacterium, which inhibits the ability of the said bacteria to attach to the surface of teeth. Novel anti-caries compositions using the CSP are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions, medicaments, and methods for the treatment or prophylaxis of conditions associated with the binding of Streptococcus mutans to teeth. Specifically, the present invention provides a method for preventing dental caries and infective endocarditis in a subject by treating the subject's oral cavity with a composition or medicament comprising the competence stimulating peptide (CSP) of the causative bacterium, which inhibits the ability of the said bacteria to attach to the surface of teeth. Novel anti-caries compositions using the CSP are also disclosed.