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Genetics of Acquired Antibiotic Resistance Genes in Proteus spp

Delphine Girlich1,2,3, Rémy A Bonnin1,2,3, Laurent Dortet1,2,3

  • 1EA7361 "Structure, dynamic, function and expression of broad spectrum β-lactamases", LabEx Lermit, Faculty of Medicine, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.

Frontiers in Microbiology
|March 11, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Proteus mirabilis, a common gut bacterium, is increasingly causing difficult-to-treat urinary tract infections due to its resistance to multiple antibiotics. Genetic mechanisms drive this multidrug resistance, making P. mirabilis a significant public health concern.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Genetics
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Proteus spp. are commensal bacteria in the human digestive tract.
  • Proteus mirabilis is a frequent cause of urinary tract infections (UTIs).
  • P. mirabilis exhibits natural resistance to certain antibiotics like colistin and reduced susceptibility to imipenem.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the genetic mechanisms behind the increasing antibiotic resistance in Proteus spp.
  • To highlight the emergence of multidrug-resistant P. mirabilis strains.
  • To discuss the implications for treating infections caused by these bacteria.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on Proteus spp. antibiotic resistance.
  • Analysis of genetic mechanisms conferring resistance.
  • Examination of clinical reports on P. mirabilis infections.

Main Results:

  • P. mirabilis resistance to imipenem can result from porin loss or reduced penicillin-binding protein expression.
  • Acquisition of antibiotic resistance genes, including carbapenemases, contributes to resistance.
  • Multidrug-resistant strains producing ESBLs, AmpC, and carbapenemases are increasingly reported.
  • Resistance extends to non-β-lactam antibiotics used for UTIs, such as fluoroquinolones and nitrofurans.

Conclusions:

  • Genetic mechanisms are driving the rise of pandrug-resistant Proteus mirabilis.
  • This resistance poses significant challenges for treating P. mirabilis infections.
  • Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing effective therapeutic strategies.
Keywords:
ESBLProteus mirabilisbeta-lactamasecarbapenemaseurinary tract infections

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