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Updated: Aug 23, 2026

Biosensor for Detection of Antibiotic Resistant Staphylococcus Bacteria
Published on: May 8, 2013
Adhesive properties of Proteus genus related to antimicrobial agents resistance
Abstract:
The in vitro attachment of 49 Proteus spp. to human urinary tract epithelial cells was determined. The antibacterial spectrum to all species of the Proteus isolates from hospitalized patients was measured against the most common antibiotics (Amikacin, Cefamandole, Cefoxitin, Ceftriaxone, Cephalothin, Kanamycin, Nalidixic acid, Oxolinic acid, Pipemidic acid, Piromidic acid, Tobramycin). 18 of them were multiresistant and the other 31 expressed susceptibility to the above antibiotics. Bacterial adherence to uroepithelial cells was studied in relation to susceptibility on antibiotics. The mean of bacteria per cell for the 31 strains grouped as susceptible was 20.2 and for the 18 strains grouped as resistant the mean was 55.1. Our results demonstrate a significant relationship between bacterial adhesion and antibiotic susceptibility pattern by Student's t test (P less than 0.01).
Insights
Antibiotic-resistant Proteus strains show significantly higher attachment to human urinary tract cells. This finding highlights a link between bacterial adhesion and antibiotic resistance in urinary tract infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Urology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Proteus species are common causes of urinary tract infections (UTIs).
- Antibiotic resistance in uropathogens is a growing global health concern.
- Bacterial adherence to uroepithelial cells is a key factor in UTI pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vitro attachment of Proteus species to human urinary tract epithelial cells.
- To determine the relationship between bacterial adhesion and antibiotic susceptibility patterns in Proteus isolates.
Main Methods:
- Collected 49 Proteus isolates from hospitalized patients.
- Determined in vitro attachment to human urinary tract epithelial cells.
- Assessed antibacterial spectrum against common antibiotics (Amikacin, Cefamandole, Cefoxitin, Ceftriaxone, Cephalothin, Kanamycin, Nalidixic acid, Oxolinic acid, Pipemidic acid, Piromidic acid, Tobramycin).
Main Results:
- 18 Proteus strains were multidrug-resistant; 31 were susceptible.
- Mean bacterial adherence was significantly higher for resistant strains (55.1 bacteria/cell) compared to susceptible strains (20.2 bacteria/cell).
- A significant relationship (P < 0.01) was found between bacterial adhesion and antibiotic susceptibility patterns.
Conclusions:
- Increased bacterial adhesion to uroepithelial cells is associated with antibiotic resistance in Proteus species.
- This finding may have implications for understanding UTI progression and developing targeted therapies.
- Further research is warranted to explore the mechanisms underlying enhanced adherence in resistant strains.
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