Proteus

Proteus is a genus of Gram-negative Proteobacteria. Proteus bacilli are widely distributed in nature as saprophytes, being found in decomposing animal matter, sewage, manure soil, the mammalian intestine, and human and animal feces. They are opportunistic pathogens, commonly responsible for urinary and septic infections, often hospital-acquired.

Characteristics

Proteus species are most commonly found in the human intestinal tract as part of normal flora, along with Escherichia coli and Klebsiella species, of which E coli is the predominant resident.

Pathogenesis

Proteus species possess an extracytoplasmic outer membrane, a feature shared with other Gram-negative bacteria. They also have peritrichous flagella that make them highly motile. These bacteria are known for their ability to "swarm" across surfaces in a distinctive wave-like pattern. Some Proteus species are also capable of producing hydrogen sulfide gas, and are able to metabolize urea and glucose among other substances.

Clinical significance

Proteus species can be opportunistic pathogens and are commonly implicated in urinary tract infections, wound infections, and septicemia. They can also cause a form of kidney stone disease known as struvite stones.

Treatment

Treatment typically involves antibiotics, and in the case of UTIs, can be complicated by the fact that these organisms are often resistant to first-line antibiotics.

See also

• Microbiology
• Pathogen
• Urinary tract infection
• Wound infection
• Septicemia
• Kidney stone disease
• Struvite stones
• Antibiotics

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