What does Proteus mirabilis look like?
Proteus mirabilis Proteus is a gram-negative, anaerobic bacterium of the Enterobacteriaceae family (Brooker 2008). Under the microscope it is rod shaped, motile (can move due to its flagella) and has a characteristic “swarming” ability that allows it to migrate across catheter surfaces (Armbruster 2013).
What is Proteus mirabilis infection?
Proteus mirabilis is a common pathogen responsible for complicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) that sometimes causes bacteremia. Most cases of P. mirabilis bacteremia originate from a UTI; however, the risk factors for bacteremia and mortality rates from P. mirabilis UTI have not been determined.
Why is it called Proteus mirabilis?
Abstract. Proteus mirabilis, named for the Greek god who changed shape to avoid capture, has fascinated microbiologists for more than a century with its unique swarming differentiation, Dienes line formation and potent urease activity.
Where are Proteus bacteria found?
Proteus species are most commonly found in the human intestinal tract as part of normal human intestinal flora, along with Escherichia coli and Klebsiella species, of which E coli is the predominant resident. Proteus is also found in multiple environmental habitats, including long-term care facilities and hospitals.
Where do you get Proteus mirabilis?
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common nosocomial infections. Proteus mirabilis is a frequent cause of these infections in individuals with abnormal urinary tracts or using indwelling catheters (CAUTIs).
How do you get Proteus mirabilis infection?
How is Proteus mirabilis transmitted? The bacterium spreads mainly through contact with infected persons or contaminated objects and surfaces. The pathogens can also be ingested via the intestinal tract, for example, when it is present in contaminated food.
What causes Proteus mirabilis infections?
It is thought that the majority of P. mirabilis urinary tract infections (UTI) result from ascension of bacteria from the gastrointestinal tract while others are due to person-to-person transmission, particularly in healthcare settings (1).
What is the texture of Proteus mirabilis?
In low-percentage swim-permissive agar, P. mirabilis cells are approximately 2-μm-long, rigid, and rod-shaped cells that move independently from one another.
What does Proteus look like on agar?
Proteus grow on the Blood agar plate in successive waves to form a thin filmy layer of concentric circles ( swarming). Proteus do not swarm in the MacConkey agar medium and form smooth, pale or colourless (NLF) colonies.
How can you get Proteus mirabilis?
How is Proteus mirabilis transmitted? The bacterium spreads mainly through contact with infected persons or contaminated objects and surfaces. The pathogens can also be ingested via the intestinal tract, for example, when it is present in contaminated food. The germs spread quickly because they are very agile.
How do you get Proteus?
How do you get Proteus in your urine?
Urinary tract infections caused by P. mirabilis occur usually in patients under long-term catheterization. The bacteria have been found to move and create encrustations on the urinary catheters. Proteus mirabilis can enter the bloodstream through wounds.
How did I get Proteus mirabilis in my urine?
It is thought that the majority of P. mirabilis urinary tract infections (UTI) result from ascension of bacteria from the gastrointestinal tract while others are due to person-to-person transmission, particularly in healthcare settings (1). This is supported by evidence that some patients with P.
What color is Proteus mirabilis?
cream
Bacteria Collection: Proteus mirabilis Additional Information
| Fermentation Tests Text: | Glycerol : +,Maltose : – |
|---|---|
| Aerobic Growth Tests Text: | Aesculin hydrolysis : – |
| Temperature For Growth Text: | at 37°C : Yes,at 42°C : Yes |
| Colony Appearance Text: | smooth : Yes,shiny : Yes |
| Colony Color Text: | cream : Yes |
How do you identify Proteus bacteria?
The most definitive form of evaluation for an acute P. mirabilis infection is a culture. Proteus species are gram-negative, rod-shaped, and facultatively anaerobic. The majority of strains are lactose negative with characteristic swarming motility that will become evident on agar plates.
Is Proteus mirabilis life-threatening?
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) and catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) involving Proteus mirabilis are typically complicated by the formation of bladder and kidney stones (urolithiasis) and permanent kidney damage 6), and may progress to bacteremia and potentially life-threatening sepsis 7).