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[Etiological and molecular characteristics of diarrhea caused Proteus mirabilis]

Xiaolu Shi1, Qinghua Hu1, Yiman Lin1

  • 1Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen 518055, China.

Zhonghua Liu Xing Bing Xue Za Zhi = Zhonghua Liuxingbingxue Zazhi
|September 2, 2014
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Diarrhea-causing Proteus mirabilis strains share common virulence genes but differ in molecular profiles. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and plasmid analysis effectively distinguish sources and identify drug resistance genes.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Proteus mirabilis is a significant cause of urinary tract infections and other opportunistic infections.
  • Understanding the genetic basis of its pathogenicity and drug resistance is crucial for effective treatment and control.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the etiological characteristics, virulence genes, and plasmids of diarrhea-causing Proteus mirabilis.
  • To assess the relationship between these factors, drug resistance, and pathogenicity.

Main Methods:

  • Biochemical analysis, drug susceptibility testing, and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) were performed on Proteus mirabilis strains from various sources.
  • Virulence genes were identified using PCR, and plasmids were extracted, purified, and sequenced.

Main Results:

  • Proteus mirabilis strains exhibited similar biochemical characteristics and common virulence genes (ureC, rsmA, hpmA, zapA).
  • Significant differences were observed in PFGE patterns, drug susceptibility, and carried plasmids among strains.
  • A 2,683 bp plasmid encoding the qnrD gene was identified and associated with quinolone resistance.

Conclusions:

  • While biochemical and common virulence gene analysis can offer some strain differentiation, PFGE and plasmid analysis are superior for distinguishing strain sources.
  • These molecular techniques are vital for identifying plasmids linked to drug resistance in Proteus mirabilis.
  • The findings provide a foundation for further research into the resistance mechanisms and pathogenicity of Proteus mirabilis.

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