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An In Vitro Bladder Model of Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection
Published on: June 24, 2025
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Proteus mirabilis and Urinary Tract Infections
Jessica N Schaffer1, Melanie M Pearson1
1Department of Microbiology, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY 10016.
Microbiology Spectrum
|November 7, 2015
Summary
Proteus mirabilis, a Gram-negative bacterium, causes urinary tract infections (UTIs), especially in catheterized patients. This review details its virulence factors, motility, and pathogenesis in UTIs.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Bacteriology
- Pathogenesis
Background:
- Proteus mirabilis is a Gram-negative bacterium known for swarming motility.
- It is a frequent cause of urinary tract infections (UTIs), particularly in catheterized individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review Proteus mirabilis, focusing on its role in urinary tract infections (UTIs).
- To discuss disease models, vaccine development, and clinical aspects of P. mirabilis UTIs.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on Proteus mirabilis pathogenesis and virulence.
- Analysis of flagella-mediated motility, type VI secretion system, and virulence factors.
Main Results:
- Flagella-mediated motility (swimming and swarming) is crucial for P. mirabilis virulence.
- Virulence factors include urease, stone formation, adhesins, iron acquisition, proteases, toxins, and biofilm formation.
- Type VI secretion system mediates intra-strain competition during swarming.
Conclusions:
- Proteus mirabilis employs diverse strategies to cause complicated UTIs.
- Further research is needed to combat P. mirabilis infections and fully understand its pathogenesis.
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