Proteus vulgaris

Definition

Proteus vulgaris is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium commonly found in the intestines of humans and animals. It is known for its motility and ability to cause urinary tract infections (UTIs).

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Proteus vulgaris can cause complicated UTIs, particularly in patients with catheters or structural abnormalities in the urinary tract.
2. It produces urease, an enzyme that hydrolyzes urea into ammonia, increasing urine pH and contributing to kidney stone formation.
3. This bacterium exhibits swarming motility on agar plates, making it easy to identify in laboratory settings.
4. Proteus vulgaris is resistant to many antibiotics, necessitating careful selection of antimicrobial therapy based on sensitivity testing.
5. It can be identified through biochemical tests such as indole production and hydrogen sulfide production.

Review Questions

• What role does urease produced by Proteus vulgaris play in urinary tract infections?
• How does the swarming motility of Proteus vulgaris aid in its identification?
• Why is antibiotic resistance a concern when treating infections caused by Proteus vulgaris?

Related terms

Urease: An enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of urea into ammonia and carbon dioxide.

Swarming Motility: A rapid and coordinated movement across solid surfaces exhibited by certain bacteria.

Indole Test: A biochemical test used to determine the ability of an organism to produce indole from tryptophan.