Proteus mirabilis
| Categorization | |
|---|---|
| Cell Wall: Gram Negative | Shape: Rod |
| Biochemistry: Lactose Fermenter, Indole Negative | |
| Virulence Factors |
|---|
- Urease: Although not considered an exotoxin, urease splits urea, liberating ammonium that increases (alkalinizes) the urine pH. Abnormally increased urine pH can lead to precipitation of compounds that increases the risk of renal and urinary tract stones, especially of the "Struvite" subtype.
| Culture and Detection |
|---|
- P. mirabilis is highly motile and rather than forming distinct colonies on a plate, instead characteristically "swarms" across the entire surface of selective media.
| Clinical Consequences |
|---|
- Urinary Tract Infection: P. mirabilis UTIs are usually associated with foley catheters.
| Treatment |
|---|
- First Choices: Ampicillin
- Additional Choices: Bactrim