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Immunofluorescent evidence of Proteus mirabilis swarm cell formation on sterilized rat feces
Abstract:
Swarming Proteus spp. were detected with the use of proteometry (a most-probable-number technique) in the fecal material of selected animal species and in raw sewage from a local sewage treatment plant. Proteus spp. were not detected in any of several soil and freshwater samples examined. Since rat feces harbored high numbers of Proteus mirabilis compared with other habitats examined, we chose to examine it for the possibility of supporting swarming. Immunofluorescent studies with a strain-specific conjugate revealed the morphogenesis of short forms into elongated swarm cells upon the surface of sterilized rat feces that had been inoculated with short forms of P. mirabilis. the same phenomenon was not observed consistently when nonsterile rat feces were inoculated and examined with immunofluorescence.
Insights
Swarming Proteus mirabilis undergoes cell elongation on sterilized rat feces, a key step in its swarming motility. This phenomenon was not consistently observed on non-sterile rat feces, suggesting environmental factors influence swarming.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Bacteriology
- Environmental Microbiology
Background:
- Swarming Proteus species are motile bacteria found in various environments.
- Proteus species, particularly Proteus mirabilis, are known to exhibit swarming motility.
- Understanding the environmental factors influencing bacterial swarming is crucial for microbial ecology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and habitats of swarming Proteus species.
- To examine the suitability of rat feces as a substrate for Proteus mirabilis swarming.
- To elucidate the morphological changes of Proteus mirabilis during swarming on rat feces.
Main Methods:
- Proteometry (most-probable-number technique) was used to quantify Proteus spp.
- Fecal material from animals and raw sewage were analyzed for Proteus spp.
- Immunofluorescence microscopy was employed to visualize bacterial morphogenesis on sterilized and non-sterile rat feces.
Main Results:
- Swarming Proteus spp. were detected in animal feces and raw sewage, but not in soil or freshwater.
- Rat feces showed high numbers of Proteus mirabilis.
- Sterilized rat feces supported the transformation of short-form P. mirabilis into elongated swarm cells, a key swarming phenomenon; this was not consistently observed on non-sterile rat feces.
Conclusions:
- Sterilized rat feces can support the characteristic morphogenesis of Proteus mirabilis swarming.
- Environmental factors present in non-sterile rat feces may inhibit or alter the swarming process.
- Rat feces represent a potential habitat for swarming Proteus mirabilis, with implications for understanding bacterial dissemination.