Proteus vulgaris
Proteus vulgaris: Overview
Proteus vulgaris is a gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium belonging to the family Enterobacteriaceae. It is an opportunistic human pathogen which commonly inhabits the intestinal and urinary tracts of humans and other mammals. The species is considered a part of the normal flora in these areas and, although it is not known to cause disease in otherwise healthy hosts, it can cause serious infections in those with weakened or compromised immune systems.
Proteus vulgaris is a facultative anaerobe, which means that it is able to survive in both anaerobic and aerobic environments. The bacterium is highly motile due to the presence of flagella, and often moves in a characteristic winding pattern, which is why it has been given the name “Proteus,” after Proteus, the Greek god of change.
Proteus vulgaris is easily identifiable by its swarming motility, its ability to ferment glucose, and its indole production from tryptophan. It has a very wide range of habitats, ranging from soil and sewage to superficial and deep wounds.
Characteristics of Proteus Vulgaris
Proteus vulgaris is a motile, gram-negative bacillus that is able to ferment glucose and is non-lactose fermenter. It is sometimes called a “swarm” bacterium because it is able to move in a characteristic winding pattern. It is capable of forming a capsule and is able to complete anaerobic and aerobic respiration. Additionally, P. vulgaris is able to produce two important enzymes, urease and catalase. The following are the most important characteristics of Proteus vulgaris:
- Gram-negative
- Motile
- Ferment glucose
- Non-lactose fermenter
- Forms a capsule
- Able to complete anaerobic and aerobic respiration
- Produces two important enzymes: urease and catalase
- Highly resistant to antibiotics
- Esculine hydrolysis (breaks down esculin)
Pathogenesis of Proteus Vulgaris
Proteus vulgaris is an opportunistic human pathogen and is usually only found in humans with compromised or weakened immune systems. It is most commonly found in the urinary tract, as well as in superficial and deep wounds. While the bacterium itself is not pathogenic, it can lead to infection if it is able to establish itself and reproduce in a human host.
Proteus vulgaris is highly resistant to antibiotic treatment and, once established, has the potential to cause serious infections. One of the most common infections caused by the bacterium is called “urosepsis” or “proteus syndrome,” which is a life-threatening infection of the urinary tract. Other serious infections caused by P. vulgaris include bacteremia, endocarditis, meningitis, and wound infections.