Proteus mirabilis, a Gram-negative bacterium, commonly causes catheter-associated urinary tract infections, wound infections, gastroenteritis and, in some cases, bacteremia. The phenotypic hallmarks of this bacterium include swarming motility, urease and hemolysin production, and synthesis of numerous adherence fimbriae. While routine bacteriological methodology may often be used to study this pathogen, frequently one requires specialized techniques to investigate the pathogenesis of this species. Here, a brief overview of the discoveries associated with this fascinating bacterium illuminates the need for the development of specialized techniques to further probe the biology of P. mirabilis.
Keywords: Adherence; Dienes phenomenon; History; Iron acquisition; Proteus mirabilis; Swarming.