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Characterization and intestinal pathogenicity of Proteus mirabilis isolated from broiler carcasses and processing
Xiao-Li Liu1, Si-Yi Wu1, Zhan-Peng Zou1
1School of Animal Science and Technology, Foshan University, Foshan, 528225, China.
Abstract:
Proteus mirabilis, a well-known urinary tract pathogen, is increasingly recognized as a food safety concern due to its frequent detection in meat products, particularly poultry. Sporadic reports indicate gastrointestinal symptoms linked to P. mirabilis, but the relationship between its genome, antibiotic resistance, and variable pathogenicity remains unclear. In this study, 142 P. mirabilis isolates were collected from broiler carcasses and processing environments in wet markets and industrial facilities to assess contamination levels. Thirty-six representative isolates were characterized for genomic heterogeneity, antibiotic resistance, and virulence gene profiles using whole-genome sequencing and phenotypic susceptibility testing. Selected strains were further assessed for intestinal pathogenicity in a murine model. Broiler carcasses from wet markets had significantly higher contamination rates (80.77 %, 21/26) than industrial sources (41.67 %, 5/12), with all wet market samples (13/13) testing positive. Overall, 94.4 % of isolates were multidrug-resistant, with carcass isolates showing higher resistance than environmental isolates. Animal experiments demonstrated variable pathogenicity, including intestinal injury, villus disruption, epithelial shedding, goblet cell loss, inflammatory cytokine elevation, and gut dysbiosis. Dysbiosis induced by certain strains (e.g., R638) was linked to intestinal injury, as confirmed by fecal microbiota transplantation. These findings highlight P. mirabilis as a highly heterogeneous foodborne pathogen, emphasizing the need for targeted hygiene practices, particularly in wet market processing environments.
Insights
Proteus mirabilis is a foodborne pathogen found in poultry, with wet markets showing higher contamination. Many strains are multidrug-resistant and can cause intestinal damage, highlighting the need for better hygiene.
Area of Science:
- Food safety
- Microbiology
- Pathogen research
Background:
- Proteus mirabilis, a urinary tract pathogen, is increasingly detected in meat products like poultry.
- Its role as a foodborne pathogen, linked to gastrointestinal issues, requires further investigation regarding its genome, antibiotic resistance, and pathogenicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess Proteus mirabilis contamination levels in broiler carcasses and processing environments.
- To characterize genomic heterogeneity, antibiotic resistance, and virulence factors of P. mirabilis isolates.
- To evaluate the intestinal pathogenicity of selected P. mirabilis strains in a murine model.
Main Methods:
- Whole-genome sequencing and phenotypic susceptibility testing of 36 P. mirabilis isolates.
- Collection of 142 P. mirabilis isolates from broiler carcasses and environments in wet markets and industrial facilities.
- Intestinal pathogenicity assessment in a murine model, including analysis of gut microbiota and inflammatory markers.
Main Results:
- Wet market broiler carcasses had significantly higher P. mirabilis contamination (80.77%) than industrial sources (41.67%).
- 94.4% of isolates were multidrug-resistant, with carcass isolates showing higher resistance.
- Variable pathogenicity was observed in mice, with some strains causing intestinal injury, villus disruption, and gut dysbiosis, linked to fecal microbiota transplantation.
Conclusions:
- Proteus mirabilis is a heterogeneous foodborne pathogen with significant multidrug resistance.
- Wet market processing environments pose a higher contamination risk.
- Targeted hygiene practices are crucial, especially in wet markets, to mitigate risks associated with P. mirabilis in poultry.
