Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 4, 2026

Establishment and Characterization of UTI and CAUTI in a Mouse Model
08:40

Establishment and Characterization of UTI and CAUTI in a Mouse Model

Published on: June 23, 2015

Flagellate and non-flagellate Proteus mirabilis in the development of experimental urinary tract infection

P Zunino1, C Piccini, C Legnani-Fajardo

  • 1Division Microbiologia, Instituto de Investigaciones Biologicas, Clemente Estable, Montevideo, Uruguay.

Microbial Pathogenesis
|May 1, 1994
PubMed

Insights

Flagella are not essential for Proteus mirabilis to cause kidney infections in mice. This study shows that even non-flagellated strains can cause urinary tract infections (UTI) in experimental models.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Urology

Background:

  • Proteus mirabilis is a common cause of urinary tract infections (UTI).
  • Virulence factors like fimbriae and flagella are thought to contribute to P. mirabilis pathogenicity.
  • The specific role of flagella in P. mirabilis-induced renal infections requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the necessity of flagella for P. mirabilis to cause renal infections in mouse models.
  • To compare the virulence of flagellated and non-flagellated P. mirabilis strains in experimental UTI.
  • To assess the contribution of flagella to P. mirabilis infection via ascending and hematogenous routes.

Main Methods:

  • Three P. mirabilis isolates from human UTI cases were used.
  • Isolates were characterized for fimbriation and flagellation.
  • Mouse models for ascending and hematogenous UTI were employed.
  • Bacterial load in kidneys and bladders, and abscess formation were assessed.

Main Results:

  • All three P. mirabilis strains, including one non-flagellated strain (Pr 988), were able to infect mice in both UTI models.
  • Fimbriation was present in all tested strains.
  • Flagellated strains exhibited swarming motility on solid media.

Conclusions:

  • Flagella are not absolutely necessary for P. mirabilis virulence in experimental mouse UTI models.
  • Fimbriae may play a significant role in P. mirabilis pathogenesis.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate the precise contribution of different virulence factors in P. mirabilis UTIs.

More Related Videos

Isolation of Single Intracellular Bacterial Communities Generated from a Murine Model of Urinary Tract Infection for Downstream Single-cell Analysis07:34

Isolation of Single Intracellular Bacterial Communities Generated from a Murine Model of Urinary Tract Infection for Downstream Single-cell Analysis

Published on: April 16, 2019

An In Vitro Bladder Model of Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection07:57

An In Vitro Bladder Model of Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection

Published on: June 24, 2025

Related Concept Videos

Urinary Tract Infection I: Introduction01:26

Urinary Tract Infection I: Introduction

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) impact various parts of the urinary system, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. These infections are generally bacterial, with Escherichia coli being the most common causative agent, often originating from the gastrointestinal tract. However, other bacteria, such as Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Proteus mirabilis, are also known to cause UTIs. The type, location, and underlying complexity of the UTI guide both...
Urinary Tract Infection II: Pathophysiology01:25

Urinary Tract Infection II: Pathophysiology

The pathophysiology of urinary tract infections (UTIs) encompasses several progressive stages, beginning with bacterial colonization and culminating in potential systemic complications if untreated. UTIs are primarily initiated by bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, which often originate from the gastrointestinal tract and migrate to the urinary system through the periurethral area. This migration can occur via several routes, including improper hygiene practices, sexual activity, or...
Urinary Tract Infection III: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care01:30

Urinary Tract Infection III: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care

A healthcare provider can diagnose a urinary tract infection (UTI) through several methods:Medical History and Symptoms: The provider will take a detailed medical history and ask about symptoms such as frequent urination, burning sensation during urination, and lower abdominal pain.Urinalysis: A clean-catch urine sample is collected in a sterile container and tested for the presence of bacteria, white blood cells (leukocytes), nitrites, blood, and protein. The presence of leukocytes and...
Urine Studies II: Urine Culture and Sensitivity Test01:26

Urine Studies II: Urine Culture and Sensitivity Test

A urine culture and sensitivity test is a diagnostic procedure used to identify urinary tract bacterial infections and determine the most effective antibiotics for treatment. This test is generally preferred when a patient shows manifestations of a urinary tract infection, such as frequent or painful urination, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, or lower abdominal pain.Purpose of the TestThe primary goals of a urine culture and sensitivity test are to:Determine the specific bacteria causing the...
Microbiota of the Urogenital Tract01:28

Microbiota of the Urogenital Tract

The human urogenital system, once thought to be sterile in healthy individuals, is now recognized as a complex microbial habitat. Advancements in molecular sequencing techniques have revealed that even in healthy adults, the kidneys and bladder harbor microbial populations similar to those found in the distal urethra, albeit in much lower abundance. These resident microorganisms, while generally innocuous, can become opportunistic pathogens under conditions that alter the urogenital...
Trichomoniasis01:18

Trichomoniasis

Trichomonas vaginalis is a flagellated protozoan parasite and the causative agent of trichomoniasis, one of the most prevalent non-viral sexually transmitted infections in the United States. This extracellular parasite primarily colonizes the lower genitourinary tract in women—particularly the vagina—and in men, the urethra and prostate. Its structural and functional adaptations enable its survival, motility, and pathogenicity within the host environment.Structural Features and Host EntryT.