PROTEUS

PROTEUS Describe the pathogenicity of Proteus bacilli

Definition

• Proteus refers to a type of gram-negative, facultative anaerobic bacteria.
• They are usually motile by peritrichous flagella.

Causes

• Found in the human gut and soil.
• May cause infections in the urinary tract, wounds, and respiratory tract.

Types

• Proteus mirabilis
• Proteus vulgaris
• Proteus rettgeri
• Proteus penneri
• Proteus hauseri
• Proteus inulinus

Pathogenesis → Proteus enters the body through:

• Contaminated food or water
• Contact with infected person or contaminated surface
• Through urinary tract → → → → → Urethral infection → Pyelonephritis → → Perinephric abscess → → Kidney stones → → → → → Inhibition of magnesium and calcium concentration → → → → Inhibition of citrate production → → → → → → → → → Precipitation of struvite → → → → → → → → → Formation of kidney stones

Morphology

• Large, gram-negative, motile rods
• Peritrichous flagella

Clinical Features

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Pyelonephritis
• Perinephric abscess
• Kidney stones
• Septicemia
• Meningitis
• Pneumonia

Complications

• Sepsis
• Kidney damage
• Bloodstream infections

Diagnosis

• Urine culture
• Blood culture
• Imaging studies (e.g., CT scan, ultrasound)

Management

• Antibiotics (e.g., trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, ciprofloxacin)
• Urinary catheter removal
• Fluid replacement
• Supportive care

Memory Trick "Proteus Pathogenicity: P - Penetrates the host R - Reproduces in the urinary tract O - Obstructs magnesium and calcium T - Triggers precipitation of struvite E - Ends with kidney stones formation U - Urine culture for diagnosis S - Sepsis and septicemia are complications"

Word Trick "Proteus: Proteus is Really Oddly Terrible Enemy Usually"