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Published on: July 18, 2025
Multidrug-Resistant Proteus mirabilis Isolated From Newly Weaned Infant Rhesus Monkeys and Ferrets
Wenhai Yu1, Zhanlong He1, Fen Huang2
1Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, Yunnan, China.
Background:
Proteus mirabilis is an important uropathogen that causes complicated Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) and induces diarrhea in infants.
Objectives:
This study aimed to investigate P. mirabilis infection in newly weaned infant rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) and ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) with diarrhea.
Materials And Methods:
Stool samples were collected from 74 rhesus monkeys and 12 ferrets with diarrhea. Proteus mirabilis was isolated from the samples through Polymerase Chain Reaction. The isolated P. mirabilis was subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility tests.
Results:
Seven (7/74, 9.5%) and four (4/12, 30%) P. mirabilis strains were detected in the stool samples collected from the monkeys and ferrets, respectively. Sequence analyses showed that the isolated P. mirabilis was closely related to P. mirabilis strain HI4320, which was isolated from the urine of a patient with a long-term indwelling urinary catheter. In addition, the isolates demonstrated multidrug resistance.
Conclusions:
Rhesus monkeys and ferrets are susceptible to P. mirabilis, making them useful as animal models for future studies on the mechanism of P. mirabilis-induced UTI and its corresponding treatment.
Insights
Proteus mirabilis, a cause of urinary tract infections, was detected in infant rhesus monkeys and ferrets with diarrhea. These animals are susceptible to this multidrug-resistant pathogen, making them valuable models for studying infection and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Animal Models
Background:
- Proteus mirabilis is a significant uropathogen responsible for complicated Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs).
- This bacterium also causes diarrhea in infants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate Proteus mirabilis infection in infant rhesus monkeys and ferrets exhibiting diarrhea.
- To assess the suitability of these animals as models for P. mirabilis-related research.
Main Methods:
- Stool samples were collected from 74 rhesus monkeys and 12 ferrets with diarrhea.
- Proteus mirabilis was identified using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR).
- Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed on isolated strains.
Main Results:
- Proteus mirabilis was detected in 9.5% of rhesus monkeys and 30% of ferrets.
- Isolates were closely related to a known clinical strain (HI4320) from a catheterized patient.
- The identified P. mirabilis strains exhibited multidrug resistance.
Conclusions:
- Infant rhesus monkeys and ferrets are susceptible to Proteus mirabilis infection.
- These animals serve as appropriate models for investigating P. mirabilis-induced UTIs and developing treatments.
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