Classification, Identification, and Clinical Significance ofProteus,Providencia, andMorganella

Abstract

SUMMARY This review presents the current taxonomy of the genera Proteus, Providencia, and Morganella, along with the current methods for the identification of each species within the three genera, incorporating both conventional biochemical and commercial methods. While all of these organisms are ubiquitous in the environment, individual case reports and nosocomial outbreak reports that demonstrate their ability to cause major infectious disease problems are presented. Lastly, anticipated antimicrobial susceptibility patterns are reviewed. Many of these organisms are easily controlled, but the advent of newer and more powerful antimicrobial agents has led to some problems of which laboratorians need to be aware.

Mass mortality in ornamental fish, Cyprinus carpio koi caused by a bacterial pathogen, Proteus hauseri

“…The phylogenetic tree showed that the strain NSPH-1 16S rRNA sequences had a high similarity with the other sequences of P. hauseri. Proteus is pathogenic bacteria, causing ulcers, in different fishes (Mandal et al, 2002) and UTI in humans (O'Hara et al, 2000b). Pathogenicity tests suggested that the NSPH-1 caused haemorrhages in the tail fin and mortality of the fish in the experimental infection.…”

Morganella morganii Infections in a General Tertiary Hospital

“…It is found in the environment and in the intestinal tracts of humans, mammals, and reptiles as part of the normal flora. Despite its wide distribution, it is an uncommon cause of infections in humans [1].…”

Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infection Following a Peripheral Bypass

“…15 Aeromonas and Morganella are both facultative anaerobic gram-negative motile bacilli. 16,17 Aeromonas along with Vibrio species are associated with rapid onset of cellulitis and clinically severe disease, requiring aggressive debridement and culture-directed antimicrobial therapy. 18 The attack rate of the organism after exposure can be greater than 40%.…”