Iglewski's research centered on the pathogenesis of the
Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacterium. She discovered that a type I
quorum sensing system globally regulated virulence in a human pathogen. She discovered exoenzymes and toxins including exo S, a type 3 secreted
Pseudomonas toxin. She was well known for describing the molecular mechanism of action of
Pseudomonas toxin A. Her work with Peter Greenberg demonstrated that
gram-negative bacteria produce
AHL signals that control processes such as
biofilm formation in neighbouring cells of the same species. From 2007, she studied the regulation of proteases in
Pseudomonas aeruginosa, with a focus on biofilm development and virulence, Iglewski published more than 150 research papers and book chapters. She held seven patents. She was recognized by the
Institute for Scientific Information as a highly cited researcher. ==Awards and honors==