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Proteus species are part of the Enterobacteriaceae family of gram-negative bacilli. Proteus organisms are implicated as serious causes of infections in humans, along with Escherichia, Klebsiella, Enterobacter, and Serratia species. UTIs are the most common clinical manifestation of Proteus infections. Proteus infection accounts for 1%-2% of UTIs in healthy women and 5% of hospital-acquired UTIs. Complicated UTIs (ie, those associated with catheterization) have a prevalence of 20%-45%. However, P. mirabilis causes most human infections. These organisms are normal fecal flora and are present in soil and water. They are often present in superficial wounds, draining ears, and sputum, particularly in patients whose normal flora has been eradicated by antibiotic therapy. The Proteeae are normal fecal flora that often cause infection in patients whose normal flora have been disturbed by antibiotic therapy. The Proteeae constitute at least 3 genera of gram-negative organisms: Proteus: P. mirabilis, P. vulgaris, and P. myxofaciens. 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. UTIs are the most common clinical manifestation of Proteus infections. Proteus infection accounts for 1%-2% of UTIs in healthy women and 5% of hospital-acquired UTIs. Complicated UTIs (ie, those associated with catheterization) have a prevalence of 20%-45%. 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. Proteus mirabilis causes 90% of Proteus infections and can be considered a community-acquired infection. Proteus vulgaris and Proteus penneri are easily isolated from individuals in long-term care facilities and hospitals and from patients with underlying diseases or compromised immune systems. Proteus species are generally members of what is known as the “normal flora,” those bacteria that exist harmlessly on and in our bodies. Proteus sp are commonly found in the intestinal tract and sometimes on the webbed skin between the toes. MoldStat Plus is a disinfectant registered with the EPA as effective against Proteus sp bacteria. Testing was conducted specifically against both P. mirabilis and P. vulgaris, the two species most commonly associated with human disease. Proteus Illnesses. Proteus sp can, however, certainly cause illness! Most commonly they cause urinary tract infections, especially in women, although they can also infect other body sites and men as well. Over 90% of Proteus infections are caused by P. mirabilis but P. vulgaris can certainly cause infection too. MoldStat Plus is a disinfectant registered with the EPA as effective against Proteus sp bacteria. Testing was conducted specifically against both P. mirabilis and P. vulgaris, the two species most commonly associated with human disease. Proteus mirabilis appears as Gram-negative rods after Gram staining under bright-field microscopy with 1000 times magnification. Proteus mirabilis is a Gram-negative, facultatively anaerobic, rod-shaped bacterium. It shows swarming motility and urease activity. P. mirabilis causes 90% of all Proteus infections in humans. It is widely distributed in soil and water. Diagnosis [edit]. An alkaline urine sample is a possible sign of P. mirabilis. It can be diagnosed in the lab due to characteristic swarming motility, and inability to metabolize lactose (on a MacConkey agar plate, for example). Also P. mirabilis produces a very distinct fishy odor. Proteus mirabilis is part of the normal flora of the gastrointestinal tract, and as a result the bacteria enters the urinary tract or infects medical equipment by the fecal route. Consequently, prevention includes good sanitation and hygiene, including proper sterilization of medical equipment. Picture from http://www.denniskunkel.com. Life History: Proteus mirabilis is part of the normal flora of the human gastrointestinal tract. It can also be found free living in water and soil. When this organism, however, enters the urinary tract, wounds, or the lungs it can become pathogenic
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is proteus mirabilis normal flora