Proteus (gram negative bacilli)

 Proteus

They are intestinal commensals and opportunistic pathogens.

They are gram negative Pleomorphic bacilli.

Non- capsulated, non sporing, motile, aerobic and facultative anaerobic, rod - shaped.

Source and Mode of Transmission

1. Hospital environment

2. Unhygienic condition

Pathogenesis

Toxins (exotoxin and endotoxin) of porteus species cause;

1. Nosocomial infection such as UTI

2. Wound infection 

3. Pneumonia

4. Septicemias

5. Intestinal infection 

Lab Diagnosis

Specimen collection; under aseptic condition 

Pus in pyrogenic lesion

Urine sample in UTI

Cultural characteristic and culture

Optimum temperature at 37 degree Celsius for 18-24 hours.

Gram staining

Gram negative bacilli, non capsulated, non sporing, actively motile bacilli observed.

Biochemical test

PPA and Urease test 

Treatment

Antibiotics such as tetracycline, chloramphenicol and ciprofloxacin are effective against infection.

Infection can be prevented by proper hand washing and maintaining hygienic condition.