Catabolite repression control (Crc) gene and Pseudomonas virulence

The present invention concerns methods of screening for active agents useful as an antibacterial agent against as well as active agents and methods of use thereof in treating The present invention relates to a method of screening for compounds that inhibit the virulence of bacteria and comprises the steps of: providing a culture medium comprising bacteria, administering a test compound to said bacteria, and then detecting the presence or absence of inhibition of the catabolite repression control (Crc) protein in the bacteria. The inhibition of the Crc protein indicates that the compound has antivirulence activity against bacteria. Antisense oligonucleotides that inhibit expression of the Crc protein in a bacteria and is nuclease resistant are also disclosed. Antivirulence compounds and the uses thereof in treating infections are also disclosed.