Proteus morgani is less frequently associated with urinary tract infections than Proteus mirabilis--an explanation. 1983

B W Senior

The metabolic activities of faecal and urinary strains of Proteus morgani and P. mirabilis were compared. Regardless of origin, the generation time of P. morgani strains in urine was approximately twice as long as that of the P. mirabilis strains. Urease synthesis was constitutive in P. morgani strains but required induction with urea in the P. mirabilis strains. In the presence of urea, the P. mirabilis strains liberated ammonia more rapidly and produced alkaline conditions more quickly than P. morgani strains, although they synthesized much less urease. These characteristics may place P. morgani strains at a disadvantage in comparison with P. mirabilis strains in their ability to cause urinary tract infections.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D011511 Proteus A genus of gram-negative, facultatively anaerobic, rod-shaped bacteria that occurs in the intestines of humans and a wide variety of animals, as well as in manure, soil, and polluted waters. Its species are pathogenic, causing urinary tract infections and are also considered secondary invaders, causing septic lesions at other sites of the body.
D011513 Proteus mirabilis A species of gram-negative, facultatively anaerobic, rod-shaped bacteria that is frequently isolated from clinical specimens. Its most common site of infection is the urinary tract.
D004790 Enzyme Induction An increase in the rate of synthesis of an enzyme due to the presence of an inducer which acts to derepress the gene responsible for enzyme synthesis. Induction, Enzyme
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D006863 Hydrogen-Ion Concentration The normality of a solution with respect to HYDROGEN ions; H+. It is related to acidity measurements in most cases by pH pH,Concentration, Hydrogen-Ion,Concentrations, Hydrogen-Ion,Hydrogen Ion Concentration,Hydrogen-Ion Concentrations
D000641 Ammonia A colorless alkaline gas. It is formed in the body during decomposition of organic materials during a large number of metabolically important reactions. Note that the aqueous form of ammonia is referred to as AMMONIUM HYDROXIDE.
D001437 Bacteriuria The presence of bacteria in the urine which is normally bacteria-free. These bacteria are from the URINARY TRACT and are not contaminants of the surrounding tissues. Bacteriuria can be symptomatic or asymptomatic. Significant bacteriuria is an indicator of urinary tract infection. Bacteriurias
D014508 Urea A compound formed in the liver from ammonia produced by the deamination of amino acids. It is the principal end product of protein catabolism and constitutes about one half of the total urinary solids. Basodexan,Carbamide,Carmol
D014510 Urease An enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of urea and water to carbon dioxide and ammonia. EC 3.5.1.5. Phytourease,Urea Amidohydrolase,Amidohydrolase, Urea
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