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Potential virulence factors of Proteus bacilli
A Rózalski1, Z Sidorczyk, K Kotełko
1Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Lódź, Poland. rozala@biol.uni.lodz.pl
Abstract:
The object of this review is the genus Proteus, which contains bacteria considered now to belong to the opportunistic pathogens. Widely distributed in nature (in soil, water, and sewage), Proteus species play a significant ecological role. When present in the niches of higher macroorganisms, these species are able to evoke pathological events in different regions of the human body. The invaders (Proteus mirabilis, P. vulgaris, and P. penneri) have numerous factors including fimbriae, flagella, outer membrane proteins, lipopolysaccharide, capsule antigen, urease, immunoglobulin A proteases, hemolysins, amino acid deaminases, and, finally, the most characteristic attribute of Proteus, swarming growth, enabling them to colonize and survive in higher organisms. All these features and factors are described and commented on in detail. The questions important for future investigation of these facultatively pathogenic microorganisms are also discussed.
Insights
The review examines the genus Proteus, opportunistic pathogens found in nature. Proteus species possess virulence factors like urease and swarming growth, enabling them to cause infections in humans.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pathogen Research
Background:
- The genus Proteus comprises bacteria widely distributed in soil, water, and sewage.
- These bacteria are increasingly recognized as opportunistic pathogens capable of causing infections in various human body sites.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive review of the genus Proteus, focusing on its pathogenic potential.
- To detail the virulence factors and characteristics that contribute to Proteus infections.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing research on Proteus species.
- Detailed description and commentary on identified virulence factors and microbial attributes.
Main Results:
- Proteus species, including Proteus mirabilis, P. vulgaris, and P. penneri, possess numerous virulence factors.
- Key factors include fimbriae, flagella, outer membrane proteins, urease, hemolysins, and characteristic swarming motility.
- These factors facilitate colonization, survival, and pathogenesis in host organisms.
Conclusions:
- Proteus bacteria are significant opportunistic pathogens with a diverse array of virulence mechanisms.
- Understanding these factors is crucial for developing strategies against Proteus-associated infections.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the pathogenicity of these facultative microorganisms.