#$%^&*AU2012202095A120120503.pdf#####ABSTRACT The current invention is based, inter alia, on the finding that the transcription 5 factor MarA, and homologues of MarA, e.g., Rob and SoxS, are virulence factors. Accordingly, the invention discloses methods for screening compounds for their ability to modulate these virulence factors. The invention further describes methods for treating and preventing bacterial infections by modulating the expression and/or activity of transcription factors. In addition, the invention provides a method for identifying other 10 virulence factors.