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Isolation and characterisation of dog uropathogenic Proteus mirabilis strains
W Gaastra1, R A van Oosterom, E W Pieters
1Institute of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, University of Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
Proteus mirabilis strains isolated from the urine of dogs with urinary tract infections, were characterised with respect to the production of haemolysin and fimbriae. In contrast to healthy dogs, P. mirabilis was also isolated in high numbers from the faeces of dogs suffering from recurrent urinary tract infections. Production of fimbriae was demonstrated by electron microscopy and the presence of genes for two different types of major fimbrial subunits (MR/P-like or UCA-like) was demonstrated by Southern hybridisation. These genes were absent in the Proteus vulgaris, Providentia rettgeri and Morganella morganii strains tested. All but one P. mirabilis strains were haemolytic and most strains produced fimbriae albeit in different amounts. The UCA fimbrial subunits from dog and human isolates have identical molecular weights and N-terminal sequences and are immunologically cross reactive. It was concluded that dog uropathogenic P. mirabilis strains are very similar to human uropathogenic P. mirabilis strains.
Insights
Proteus mirabilis, a bacterium causing urinary tract infections in dogs, frequently appears in feces of those with recurrent infections. Dog and human strains exhibit similar virulence factors, suggesting a shared origin.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Uropathogen Research
- Canine Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Proteus mirabilis is a significant cause of canine urinary tract infections (UTIs).
- Recurrent UTIs in dogs are often associated with specific bacterial strains.
- Understanding virulence factors like haemolysin and fimbriae is crucial for canine UTI pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize Proteus mirabilis strains from dogs with UTIs.
- To investigate the production of haemolysin and fimbriae in these strains.
- To compare dog-derived P. mirabilis with human uropathogenic strains.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and characterization of P. mirabilis from canine urine and feces.
- Detection of haemolytic activity.
- Electron microscopy for fimbriae visualization.
- Southern hybridization to identify genes for fimbrial subunits (MR/P-like, UCA-like).
Main Results:
- P. mirabilis was prevalent in feces of dogs with recurrent UTIs.
- Most P. mirabilis strains produced haemolysin and fimbriae.
- Genes for MR/P-like or UCA-like fimbrial subunits were detected in P. mirabilis but not in other Proteeae species.
- UCA fimbrial subunits from dogs and humans showed identical molecular weights, N-terminal sequences, and cross-reactivity.
Conclusions:
- Dog uropathogenic P. mirabilis strains share significant similarities with human strains.
- Fimbriae and haemolysin production are common virulence factors in canine P. mirabilis.
- The findings suggest a potential commonality in the pathogenesis of P. mirabilis UTIs across species.
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