Temperature-regulated expression of bacterial virulence genes.

Virulence gene expression in most bacteria is a highly regulated phenomenon, affected by a variety of parameters including osmolarity, pH, ion concentration, iron levels, growth phase, and population density. Virulence genes are also regulated by temperature, which acts as an 'on-off' switch in a manner distinct from the more general heat-shock response. Here, we review temperature-responsive expression of virulence genes in four diverse pathogens.