Question

Proteus mirabilis a) how to isolate (sputum, blood, fecal matter, etc.) b) where found-niche (water, air, food, etc.) c) what media (nutrient, starch, etc) d) selective growth condition (aerobic, anaerobic, etc.) e) identifying traits f) give virulent facts (those that help it be pathogenic) g) disease it may cause h) how each disease could be treated

Answer 1

Proteus mirabilis-

a) how to isolate - Isolated from Urine ,give urine a different fishy odour.

b) where found-niche - It found in soil and water. It is also normal flora of the human gastrointestinal tract.

c) what media - Proteus mirabilis minimal salts medium (PMSM) is used for studies. Component of medium -10.5 g/liter K₂HPO₄, 4.5 g/liter KH₂PO₄, 0.47 g/liter sodium citrate, 1 g/liter (NH₄)₂SO₄, and 15 g/liter agar, supplemented with 0.001% nicotinic acid, 1 mM MgSO₄, and 0.2% glycerol.

d) selective growth condition - Facultative anaerobic

e) identifying traits - It is a Gram-negative,rod-shaped bacterium. It shows swarming motility and also shows urease activity.

f) give virulent facts- The flagellum of P. mirabilis is of great importance to its motility, flagellum helps them to colonize. The flagellum may also provide the ability to form biofilms,which make bacteria resistance to defenses of the host and selected antibiotics.Its urease activity is responsible for raising the pH and consequently making condition easier for its growth. Increased pH cause stone formation.

g) disease it may cause -Due to its urease activity pH increases which can lead to the formation of crystals of struvite, calcium carbonate, which result in kidney stones. The bacteria can be found on the stones, and these bacteria lurking in the kidney stones can cause reinfection after antibiotic treatment. Once the stones develop, they may grow large enough to cause obstruction and renal failure.

h) how each disease could be treated- Infection of Proteus mirabilis can be treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics like penicillins and cephalosporins. In case stone formation and renal blockage surgery is required.