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Characterization and serological classification of a collection of Proteus penneri clinical strains
Dominika Drzewiecka1, Krystyna Zych, Zygmunt Sidorczyk
1Department of General Microbiology, Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Łódź, Łódź, Poland.
Introduction:
Bacteria of the genus Proteus, which are a common cause of urinary tract infections, are divided into four species: P. mirabilis, P. vulgaris, P. penneri, and P. hauseri, and three unnamed genomospecies, Proteus 4, 5, and 6 (single-strain species P. myxofaciens was isolated from the gypsy moth). Establishing the serological classification of these species would aid in completing the classification scheme of the whole genus Proteus and in applying serological methods in diagnostic procedures and epidemiological investigations for these opportunistic pathogens. The aim of this research was a serological characterization and classification of 57 Proteus penneri clinical strains, isolated from patients from different countries all over the world, into Proteus O serogroups.
Material/Methods:
Purified lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) extracted from 57 P. penneri strains were used as antigens in enzyme immunosorbent assay (EIA), SDS/PAGE, and Western blot techniques, and alkali treated LPSs in passive immunohemolysis test (PIH), inhibition of PIH, and absorption of rabbit polyclonal O-antisera.
Results:
That result confirms the serological distinction of this species within the genus Proteus, and may have diagnostic significance.
Conclusions:
As a result of serological studies of LPSs extracted from the P. penneri strains, one new Proteus serogroup, represented by the P. penneri 97 strain, was established. Three further strains were classified into the Proteus serogroup O8, which had not contained any P. penneri strains before. All the remaining strains were classified into 11 already existing Proteus O serogroups. It is important to emphasize that 72% of studied strains were classified into serogroups that contain P. penneri strains only.
Insights
This study serologically classified 57 Proteus penneri strains, identifying one new O serogroup and refining the classification of others. These findings enhance diagnostic and epidemiological tools for Proteus urinary tract infections.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Microbiology
- Bacteriology
- Immunology
Background:
- Proteus bacteria are significant causes of urinary tract infections (UTIs).
- The genus Proteus includes several species, necessitating clear classification for diagnostics and epidemiology.
- Serological classification aids in understanding the genus Proteus and its pathogenic strains.
Purpose of the Study:
- To serologically characterize and classify 57 clinical strains of Proteus penneri.
- To assign these strains to existing or new Proteus O serogroups.
- To improve diagnostic and epidemiological approaches for Proteus UTIs.
Main Methods:
- Lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) from 57 P. penneri strains were purified and used as antigens.
- Enzyme immunosorbent assay (EIA), SDS/PAGE, and Western blot techniques were employed.
- Passive immunohemolysis (PIH) tests, including inhibition and antiserum absorption, were performed.
Main Results:
- One novel Proteus O serogroup was established, represented by the P. penneri 97 strain.
- Three strains were newly classified into the Proteus serogroup O8.
- The remaining strains were assigned to 11 established Proteus O serogroups.
Conclusions:
- The serological classification of P. penneri strains was successfully achieved.
- 72% of the studied strains were exclusively classified into serogroups containing P. penneri.
- This serological distinction of P. penneri has significant diagnostic and epidemiological implications.
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