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Proteus spp. as Putative Gastrointestinal Pathogens
Amy L Hamilton1,2, Michael A Kamm3,2, Siew C Ng4
1Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.
Abstract:
Proteus species, members of the Enterobacteriaceae family, are usually considered commensals in the gut and are most commonly recognized clinically as a cause of urinary tract infections. However, the recent identification of Proteus spp. as potential pathogens in Crohn's disease recurrence after intestinal resection serves as a stimulus to examine their potential role as gut pathogens. Proteus species possess many virulence factors potentially relevant to gastrointestinal pathogenicity, including motility; adherence; the production of urease, hemolysins, and IgA proteases; and the ability to acquire antibiotic resistance. Gastrointestinal conditions that have been linked to Proteus include gastroenteritis (spontaneous and foodborne), nosocomial infections, appendicitis, colonization of devices such as nasogastric tubes, and Crohn's disease. The association of Proteus species with Crohn's disease was particularly strong. Proteus species are low-abundance commensals of the human gut that harbor significant pathogenic potential; further investigation is needed.
Insights
Proteus bacteria, typically gut commensals, are increasingly recognized as potential pathogens. Their virulence factors suggest a significant role in gastrointestinal diseases, including Crohn's disease.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Gastroenterology
- Pathogen Research
Background:
- Proteus species are Enterobacteriaceae, commonly causing urinary tract infections.
- They are generally considered gut commensals but are emerging as potential pathogens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the pathogenic potential of Proteus species in the gastrointestinal tract.
- To examine the association between Proteus species and Crohn's disease recurrence.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on Proteus virulence factors and gastrointestinal associations.
- Analysis of clinical data linking Proteus to various gastrointestinal conditions.
Main Results:
- Proteus species possess key virulence factors like motility, adherence, urease, hemolysins, and IgA proteases.
- Associations found with gastroenteritis, nosocomial infections, appendicitis, and device colonization.
- A particularly strong link was observed between Proteus species and Crohn's disease recurrence.
Conclusions:
- Proteus species, despite being low-abundance gut commensals, harbor significant pathogenic potential.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate their precise role in gastrointestinal diseases, especially Crohn's disease.
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