Proteus mirabilis

indole - Pathology: 1) urinary tract infection a) acute b) chronic - urease activity - struvite nephrolithiasis 2) bacteremia: usually from urinary tract infection 3) opportunistic infections in debilitated patients on broad spectrum antibiotics 4) destructive otic infections with subsequent a) dural sinus thrombosis b) meningitis c) brain abscess d) bacteremia 5) corneal ulceration 6) burn & wound infection Laboratory: 1) Proteus mirabilis DNA 2) culture from normally sterile site - Proteus mirabilis swarms on most agar Management: 1) uncomplicated cystitis - ampicillin 0.5-1 g IV every 6 hours 2) severe infection a) ampicillin 2-3 g IV every 6 hours plus gentamicin 3-5 mg/kg IV every 8 hours b) 3rd generation cephalosporin 3) infected struvite stones may require removal

Properties

KINGDOM: monera DIVISION: SCHIZOMYCETES

References

Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 13th ed. Companion Handbook, Isselbacher et al (eds), McGraw-Hill Inc. NY, 1995, pg 227