What Are the Causes of UTI Proteus Mirabilis?

Several types of bacteria cause urinary tract infections. Proteus mirabilis is one of the bacteria responsible for this condition. Proper identification of this organism results in treatment with antibiotics.

Description

• Proteus mirabilis is a bacterium normally found in the gastrointestinal tract. This bacterium moves easily across semi-solid or solid surfaces. Proteus mirabilis also lives in soil and water.

Infection Causes

• Because the urethra is close to the anus, Proteus mirabilis can enter the urinary system and cause infection. Infection also occurs when Proteus mirabilis contaminates catheters and other urinary medical equipment. Once they enter the urinary tract, these organisms continue to multiply.

Transmission

• Wiping from back to front after a bowel movement allows fecal matter to make contact with the urethral opening. If Proteus mirabilis is present in the fecal matter, it can enter the urinary tract. In a 2003 study published in the Journal of Clinical Microbiology, researchers from Cardiff School of Biosciences reported that Proteus mirabilis causes biofilms (buildups of microbes) to form on catheters. This bacterial buildup results in urinary tract infection and may lead to severe kidney infection or septicemia (infection of the bloodstream).

Identification

• Urinalysis detects high levels of Proteus mirabilis in the urine. While the presence of some bacteria in the urine is normal, more than 100,000 colony-forming units per mL of urine is indicative of urinary tract infection, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians.

Prevention

• Wipe from front to back after using the bathroom to prevent Proteus mirabilis bacteria from entering the urinary tract. If you have to use a catheter, use sterile supplies to prevent bacterial contamination. These measures combat the most common causes of a Proteus mirabilis UTI.