Into the understanding the multicellular lifestyle of Proteus mirabilis on solid surfaces

Abstract

Indwelling urinary catheterization can lead to the development of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs), an important type of nosocomial infection, as well as other medical issues among institutionalized adults. Recently, Proteus mirabilis was highlighted as the important cause of CAUTIs. The pathogenicity of P. mirabilis is dependent on two multicellular types of surface colonization: the adherence and swarming motility. Adhesion, mostly mediated by fimbrial and nonfimbrial adhesins, is important for the initiation of biofilm formation. Moreover, the production of urease frequently results in biofilm crystallization, which leads to the blockage of catheters. The heterologous polymeric matrix of the biofilm offers protection against antibiotics and the host immune system. P. mirabilis displays remarkable motility abilities. After contact with solid surfaces, hyper-flagellated cells are able to rapidly migrate. The importance of swarming motility in CAUTIs development remains controversial; however, it was indicated that swarming cells were able to co-express other virulence factors. Furthermore, flagella are strong immunomodulating proteins. On the other hand, both biofilm formation and swarming motility implicates multiple inter- and intraspecies interactions, which might contribute to the pathogenicity.

Genomes comparison of two Proteus mirabilis clones showing varied swarming ability

“…By considering the factors that regulate swarming motility [ 2 , 3 , 6 ], a hypothesis can be proposed about the genetic diversity of the isolates to explain their different phenotypes. However, the comparative analysis performed identified no differences between the isolates that could explain the observed phenomenon.…”

“…Multiple inter- and intracellular factors are involved in the regulation of swarming motility of P. mirabilis [ 2 , 3 , 6 ]. However, many aspects of the processes are yet to be fully investigated [ 6 ].…”

“…Multiple inter- and intracellular factors are involved in the regulation of swarming motility of P. mirabilis [ 2 , 3 , 6 ]. However, many aspects of the processes are yet to be fully investigated [ 6 ]. Recent studies have demonstrated a natural variation in the swarming ability of P. mirabilis strains [ 7 – 10 ], the mechanisms and importance of which in their pathogenesis are not understood.…”

Microbiology and Antimicrobial Resistance in Diabetic Foot Infections

“…One significant factor is the classical autotransporter, Proteus toxic agglutinin (pta), which functions as a serine protease and exhibits cytotoxic effects on bladder and kidney epithelial cells [89]. Additionally, fimbrial genes play a pivotal role in adhesion, with P. mirabilis possessing a diverse repertoire of at least 10 distinct fimbrial types that enhance its fitness during polymicrobial infections [90]. Furthermore, the flagellar cascade components contribute to P. mirabilis' motility, facilitating its adhesion to host tissues.…”

Inhibiting Swarming Motility: A Promising Strategy for Preventing Biofilm Formation in Proteus Mirabilis and Reducing Virulence.

“…Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying swarming motility and biofilm formation in P. mirabilis is essential for developing targeted therapeutic strategies. Moreover, deciphering how these processes interconnect with the bacterium's virulence factors is crucial for designing effective treatments to combat P. mirabilis infections, which are often associated with urinary tract infections, catheter-associated infections, and complicated kidney infections (Gmiter D, 2022).…”