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Super-resolution Imaging of Proteus mirabilis Biofilm by Expansion Microscopy
Published on: July 18, 2025
Characteristics of bacteremia caused by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Proteus mirabilis
Yoko Kurihara1, Shigemi Hitomi, Tsuyoshi Oishi
1Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Tsukuba Hospital, 2-1-1 Amakubo, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8576, Japan.
Abstract:
Although Proteus mirabilis is a common human pathogen, bacteremia caused by the organism, especially strains producing extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL), has rarely been investigated. We examined 64 cases of P. mirabilis bacteremia identified in the Minami Ibaraki Area, Japan, between 2001 and 2010 and compared the characteristics of cases with ESBL-producing and ESBL-non-producing strains (13 and 51 cases, respectively). All ESBL-producing strains with the gene encoding the CTX-M-2-group were genetically nonidentical. Isolation of ESBL-producing strains was significantly associated with onset in a hospital (p = 0.030), receiving hemodialysis (p = 0.0050), and previous antibiotic use within 1 month (p = 0.036; especially penicillin and/or cephalosporin (p = 0.010) and fluoroquinolone (p = 0.0069)). Isolation was also associated with inappropriate antibiotic therapy on the 1st and 4th days (p = 0.011 and 0.032, respectively) but not with mortality on the 30th day. These findings indicate that, for P. mirabilis bacteremia, isolation of ESBL-producing strains causes delay of initiating appropriate antimicrobial therapy but may not be associated with mortality.
Insights
Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Proteus mirabilis bacteremia is linked to hospital onset and prior antibiotic use. While ESBL strains delay appropriate treatment, they do not appear to increase 30-day mortality.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Antimicrobial Resistance
Background:
- Proteus mirabilis is a frequent human pathogen.
- Bacteremia caused by P. mirabilis, particularly strains producing extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL), is understudied.
- ESBL-producing bacteria pose a significant challenge due to their resistance to common antibiotics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical characteristics of P. mirabilis bacteremia.
- To compare cases involving ESBL-producing strains versus non-producing strains.
- To identify risk factors and outcomes associated with ESBL-producing P. mirabilis bacteremia.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 64 P. mirabilis bacteremia cases in Japan (2001-2010).
- Comparison of clinical data between ESBL-producing (n=13) and non-producing (n=51) strains.
- Genetic analysis of ESBL-producing strains to assess diversity.
Main Results:
- ESBL-producing strains were significantly associated with hospital onset, hemodialysis, and recent antibiotic use (penicillin, cephalosporin, fluoroquinolone).
- Isolation of ESBL-producing strains correlated with delayed appropriate antibiotic therapy on days 1 and 4.
- No significant association was found between ESBL-producing strains and 30-day mortality.
Conclusions:
- P. mirabilis bacteremia caused by ESBL-producing strains is associated with specific patient risk factors and healthcare exposures.
- The presence of ESBL in P. mirabilis bacteremia leads to delays in effective antimicrobial treatment.
- Despite treatment delays, ESBL production in P. mirabilis bacteremia does not appear to significantly impact short-term mortality.
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