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Isolation, Identification and Pathogenicity Analysis of Proteus mirabilis in Cynomolgus Monkey From Yunnan, China
Heling Li1,2, Ziyao Qian1, Lan Luo1
1State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, China.
Background:
Proteus mirabilis (P. mirabilis) is an opportunistic zoonotic pathogen that can be mutually transmitted with humans (Homo sapiens); knowledge on P. mirabilis infection in cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) remains limited.
Objectives:
To isolate and characterize the diarrhoeal pathogen from a cynomolgus monkey; a bacterial strain MF103012 was isolated from the faeces of a diarrhoeal cynomolgus monkey.
Methods:
P. mirabilis was identified via morphology, biochemical profiling and 16S rRNA sequencing. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect key virulence genes. Antibiotic susceptibility was determined by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion using 24 antibiotics of P. mirabilis. Pathogenicity was assessed by intraperitoneal injection in mice.
Results:
In our study, we successfully isolated and identified P. mirabilis from the faeces of diarrhoeal cynomolgus monkey. The isolated strain carried ureC, zapA, rsmA, hpmA, fliL, ucaA and atfA virulence genes. Strain MF103012 was susceptible to 19 antibiotics but resistant to vancomycin and erythromycin, and it induced morbidity and one case of mortality in mice.
Conclusions:
Endowed with the trait of cross-species transmission, P. mirabilis has become an opportunistic pathogen that requires focused attention in both the prevention and control of zoonoses and clinical anti-infective therapy. The results of this study improve our understanding of the isolated and identified P. mirabilis from the intestinal tract of diarrhoeal cynomolgus monkeys, and also lays groundwork for diagnosis and treatment of P. mirabilis in primate colonies.
Insights
Proteus mirabilis, a zoonotic pathogen, was isolated from a diarrhoeal cynomolgus monkey. This study details its virulence genes, antibiotic resistance, and pathogenicity, informing zoonoses control and clinical therapy.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Zoonotic Diseases
- Primate Health
Background:
- Proteus mirabilis is an opportunistic zoonotic pathogen with known transmission between humans and animals.
- Limited information exists regarding P. mirabilis infections in cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis).
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize a diarrhoeal pathogen from a cynomolgus monkey.
- To identify the bacterial strain MF103012 from the feces of a diarrhoeal cynomolgus monkey.
Main Methods:
- Identification of P. mirabilis using morphology, biochemical profiling, and 16S rRNA sequencing.
- Detection of key virulence genes via Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR).
- Assessment of antibiotic susceptibility to 24 antibiotics and pathogenicity in mice.
Main Results:
- P. mirabilis was successfully isolated and identified from the feces of a diarrhoeal cynomolgus monkey.
- The isolated strain (MF103012) possessed virulence genes: ureC, zapA, rsmA, hpmA, fliL, ucaA, and atfA.
- Strain MF103012 showed susceptibility to 19 antibiotics but resistance to vancomycin and erythromycin, causing morbidity and mortality in mice.
Conclusions:
- P. mirabilis, due to its cross-species transmission capability, is a significant opportunistic pathogen requiring attention for zoonoses control and anti-infective strategies.
- This study enhances understanding of P. mirabilis in cynomolgus monkeys, providing a foundation for diagnosis and treatment in primate colonies.
