Proteus

From WikiMD.com - Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Proteus is a genus of Gram-negative Proteobacteria. Proteus bacilli are widely distributed in nature as saprophytes, being found in decomposing animal matter, sewage, manure soil, the mammalian intestine, and human and animal feces. They are opportunistic pathogens, commonly responsible for urinary and septic infections, often hospital-acquired.

Characteristics[edit | edit source]

Proteus species are most commonly found in the human intestinal tract as part of normal flora, along with Escherichia coli and Klebsiella species, of which E coli is the predominant resident.

Pathogenesis[edit | edit source]

Proteus species possess an extracytoplasmic outer membrane, a feature shared with other Gram-negative bacteria. They also have peritrichous flagella that make them highly motile. These bacteria are known for their ability to "swarm" across surfaces in a distinctive wave-like pattern. Some Proteus species are also capable of producing hydrogen sulfide gas, and are able to metabolize urea and glucose among other substances.

Clinical significance[edit | edit source]

Proteus species can be opportunistic pathogens and are commonly implicated in urinary tract infections, wound infections, and septicemia. They can also cause a form of kidney stone disease known as struvite stones.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment typically involves antibiotics, and in the case of UTIs, can be complicated by the fact that these organisms are often resistant to first-line antibiotics.

See also[edit | edit source]

WHO Rod.svg
This article is a medical stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it!
PubMed
Wikipedia


Stub icon
   This article is a medical stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it!
WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Transform your life with W8MD's budget GLP1 injections from $125

W8mdlogo.png
W8MD weight loss doctors team

W8MD offers a medical weight loss program NYC and a clinic to lose weight in Philadelphia. Our W8MD's physician supervised medical weight loss centers in NYC provides expert medical guidance, and offers telemedicine options for convenience.

Why choose W8MD?

Book Your Appointment

Start your NYC weight loss journey today at our NYC medical weight loss, and Philadelphia medical weight loss Call (718)946-5500 for NY and 215 676 2334 for PA

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's NYC physician weight loss.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available. Call 718 946 5500.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD