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Detection of OXA-23-producing Proteus mirabilis in Switzerland
Jacqueline Findlay1, Patrice Nordmann1,2, Roger Stephan3
1Medical and Molecular Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland.
Abstract:
Proteus mirabilis is a Gram-negative bacterium found in the environment and also forms part of the commensal flora in the gastrointestinal tract of both humans and animals. P. mirabilis can cause a wide variety of infections, however it does not harbor any intrinsic β-lactamase genes and as such usually exhibits full susceptibility to β-lactams with the exception of imipenem, to which it is naturally resistant. OXA-23 enzymes are carbapenem-hydrolyzing class D β-lactamases and are usually the main cause of acquired resistance to carbapenems in Acinetobacter baumannii but have recently been reported in P. mirabilis in France. In this report we describe the emergence of OXA-23-producing P. mirabilis clinical isolates from Switzerland.
Insights
The emergence of OXA-23 producing Proteus mirabilis, a bacterium typically susceptible to beta-lactams, is reported in Swiss clinical isolates. This finding is significant as OXA-23 enzymes confer resistance to carbapenems, raising concerns about treatment options.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Bacterial genetics
- Antimicrobial resistance
Background:
- Proteus mirabilis is a Gram-negative bacterium commonly found in the environment and as commensal flora.
- Typically, P. mirabilis is susceptible to beta-lactam antibiotics, except for imipenem, due to a lack of intrinsic beta-lactamase genes.
- OXA-23 enzymes, carbapenem-hydrolyzing class D beta-lactamases, are a primary cause of carbapenem resistance in Acinetobacter baumannii.
Discussion:
- This report details the identification of OXA-23-producing P. mirabilis clinical isolates in Switzerland.
- The presence of OXA-23 in P. mirabilis signifies acquired carbapenem resistance in this species.
- This emergence follows previous reports of OXA-23 in P. mirabilis in France, indicating a potential spread.
Key Insights:
- OXA-23-producing Proteus mirabilis clinical isolates have emerged in Switzerland.
- This indicates the acquisition of carbapenem resistance mechanisms by P. mirabilis.
- The spread of OXA-23-producing P. mirabilis poses a challenge to treating infections caused by this bacterium.
Outlook:
- Further surveillance is crucial to monitor the prevalence and spread of OXA-23-producing P. mirabilis.
- Understanding the genetic mechanisms and transmission routes of OXA-23 in P. mirabilis is essential.
- Development of alternative treatment strategies may be necessary for infections caused by carbapenem-resistant P. mirabilis.
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