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Updated: Feb 1, 2026
Super-resolution Imaging of Proteus mirabilis Biofilm by Expansion Microscopy
Published on: July 18, 2025
Influence of various uropathogens on crystallization of urine mineral components caused by Proteus mirabilis
Agnieszka Torzewska1, Katarzyna Bednarska1, Antoni Różalski1
1Department of Biology of Bacteria, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Łódź, Banacha 12/16, 90-237 Łódź, Poland.
Abstract:
Infectious urolithiasis is a consequence of long-standing urinary tract infections with urease-positive bacteria, especially Proteus spp. However, because of the often mixed nature of urinary tract infections, in the case of urinary stones formation, several species of bacteria may be involved in the process. The purpose of the study was to determine the impact of the bacterial species: Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Providencia stuartii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus on the crystallization caused by Proteus mirabilis. The studies were conducted in synthetic urine with the addition of P. mirabilis and a representative of another species. During the experiments the viability of bacteria, pH, presence and morphology of crystals, and the intensity of crystallization were assessed. Crystallization of calcium and magnesium phosphates occurred in all investigated configurations. However, there were differences observed in the course and intensity of crystallization between the mixed culture and the P. mirabilis culture. Although most intense crystallization took place in the pure culture of P. mirabilis it was also demonstrated that the presence of other uropathogens increased the survival of P. mirabilis. This synergistic effect could be responsible for the persistence and recurrence of urolithiasis in the urinary tract.
Insights
Infectious urolithiasis involves multiple bacteria. Other uropathogens enhance Proteus mirabilis survival, potentially causing recurrent urinary tract infections and stone formation.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Urology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Infectious urolithiasis results from chronic urinary tract infections (UTIs) by urease-positive bacteria, particularly Proteus species.
- Mixed bacterial infections are common in UTIs, complicating the understanding of urinary stone formation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of common uropathogens (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Providencia stuartii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus) on crystallization induced by Proteus mirabilis.
- To assess the synergistic effects of mixed bacterial cultures on bacterial survival and crystal formation in synthetic urine.
Main Methods:
- Experiments were conducted in synthetic urine inoculated with P. mirabilis and one other bacterial species.
- Key parameters monitored included bacterial viability, pH, crystal presence and morphology, and crystallization intensity.
Main Results:
- Calcium and magnesium phosphate crystallization occurred in all tested conditions.
- While pure P. mirabilis cultures showed the most intense crystallization, co-infections with other uropathogens significantly increased P. mirabilis survival.
- Differences in crystallization patterns were observed between monocultures and mixed cultures.
Conclusions:
- The presence of other uropathogens can enhance the survival of P. mirabilis in the urinary tract.
- This synergistic interaction among bacteria may contribute to the persistence and recurrence of infectious urolithiasis.
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