Proteus vulgaris

Proteus vulgaris is a rod-shaped, Gram-negative bacterium that is commonly found in the intestinal tract of humans and animals. It is a member of the Proteus genus, which is part of the Enterobacteriaceae family.

Characteristics

Proteus vulgaris is known for its ability to swarm across surfaces, a characteristic that is attributed to its flagella. It is also capable of producing hydrogen sulfide, which gives it a distinctive smell.

The bacterium is facultatively anaerobic, meaning it can grow in both the presence and absence of oxygen. It is also urease positive, which allows it to break down urea into ammonia and carbon dioxide.

Pathogenicity

While Proteus vulgaris is a normal inhabitant of the intestinal tract, it can cause infections if it enters other parts of the body. It is a common cause of urinary tract infections, particularly in individuals with long-term urinary catheters. It can also cause wound infections, septicemia, and pneumonia.

The bacterium is resistant to many antibiotics, making infections difficult to treat. However, it is typically sensitive to imipenem, amikacin, and tazobactam.

Laboratory Identification

In the laboratory, Proteus vulgaris can be identified by its characteristic swarming motility on agar plates. It also produces a positive result on the indole test, which distinguishes it from other Proteus species.

See Also

• Proteus mirabilis
• Enterobacteriaceae
• Urinary tract infection