Biochemical Test of Proteus mirabilis

Biochemical Test of Proteus mirabilis

What is Proteus mirabilis ?

Biochemical Test of Proteus mirabilis

Proteus mirabilis is the gram-negative, facultative anaerobic bacterium Proteus mirabilis is frequently found in the human gut. It is well-known for its swarming motility and its capacity to produce urease, which is linked to UTIs. The following are common biochemical tests used to identify Proteus mirabilis.

Proteus mirabilis is a common bacteria that can be found in both the human stomach and the environment. Although it can be innocuous, it can also lead to a variety of infections, especially in the bloodstream, wounds, and urinary tract.

Biochemical Test of Proteus mirabilis

The most popular biochemical assays for identifying Proteus mirabilis are broken out below.

Development in Culture Media

Blood Agar: P. mirabilis produces colonies with a distinctive “swarming” pattern on blood agar, where it thrives well. Flagella, which push bacteria away from the original inoculation site and cover the plate in a thin, transparent layer, are the cause of the swarming.

MacConkey Agar: P. mirabilis grows as colour less colonies on MacConkey agar and is a lactose non-fermenter.

Triple Sugar Iron (TSI) Agar: When gas is produced, P. mirabilis creates an acidic butt (yellow) and an alkaline slant (red). Its capacity to ferment glucose but not lactose or sucrose accounts for this.

Simmons Citrate Agar: P. mirabilis uses citrate as its only carbon source, generating alkaline compounds that cause the medium to become blue-green.

Biochemical Reactions

Indole Test: P. mirabilis does not respond to indole. It is unable to convert tryptophan into indole.

Biochemical Test of Proteus mirabilis

Methyl Red Test : mirabilis does not pass the methyl red test. Fermentation of glucose does not result in steady acid production.

Biochemical Test of Proteus mirabilis

Proskauer-Voges (VP) Test: There is no VP in P. mirabilis. Acetoin is not produced by the fermentation of glucose.

Urease Test : P. mirabilis tests positive for urease. The medium turns pink to red as a result of the hydrolysis of urea into ammonia and carbon dioxide. When separating P. mirabilis from other Proteus species, this test is very helpful.

Ornithine Decarboxylase Test: P. mirabilis exhibits positive results for ornithine decarboxylase. It changes the medium’s colour to purple and produces an alkaline pH by decarboxylating ornithine into putrescine.

Production of H2S: P. mirabilis breaks down cysteine to form hydrogen sulphide (H2S) on TSI agar and KIA (Kligler Iron Agar). The medium becomes dark as a result.

Other Tests

Additional Examinations

Test of Motility: Because of its flagella, P. mirabilis is incredibly motile. Its distinctive swarming pattern on agar plates is indicative of this.

Oxidase Test: P. mirabilis exhibits oxidase negative status. It is devoid of the cytochrome c oxidase enzyme.

Tests for Serology

There are antisera that are unique to P. mirabilis that can be utilized in agglutination tests for quick identification.

Analysis of the Findings

With the help of these biochemical test results, Proteus mirabilis can be positively identified. To differentiate P. mirabilis from other Proteus species, the distinctive swarming movement, urease positive reaction, and negative indole test are very useful.

Important Information

Even if P. mirabilis can be identified with the use of these tests, confirmation of the diagnosis requires taking into account additional clinical and epidemiological aspects. If you want an accurate diagnosis and course of treatment, always consult with a licenced medical practitioner.

Urease, an enzyme produced by P. mirabilis that converts urea into ammonia, helps to create the alkaline environment that is frequently seen in UTIs. Kidney stones can form more easily and cause harm to the urinary tract in this alkaline environment. Antibiotic resistance in P. mirabilis makes therapy more difficult.

Depending on the infection’s location and severity, antibiotics such carbapenems, cephalosporins, and fluoroquinolones are often used to treat infections. Maintaining a healthy immune system, practicing proper hygiene, and managing underlying medical disorders appropriately are all important components of infection prevention.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)

Write the important information about P .mirabilis ?

P. mirabilis can be identified with the use of these tests, confirmation of the diagnosis requires taking into account additional clinical and epidemiological aspects. If you want an accurate diagnosis and course of treatment, always consult with a licensed medical practitioner.

Define Proteus mirabilis?

It is the gram-negative, facultative anaerobic bacterium Proteus mirabilis is frequently found in the human gut. It is well-known for its swarming motility and its capacity to produce urease, which is linked to UTIs.

Why Biochemical test of P .mirabilis is conducted ?

With the help of these biochemical test results, Proteus mirabilis can be positively identified. To differentiate P. mirabilis from other Proteus species, the distinctive swarming movement, urease positive reaction, and negative indole test are very useful.

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