Proteus vulgaris

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1. Classification

a. Higher order taxa

Domain; Phylum; Class; Order; Family; Genus Include this section if your Wiki page focuses on a specific taxon/group of organisms Domain (Bacteria); Phylum (Proteobacteria); Class (Gammaproteobacteria); Order (Enterobacterales); Family (Morganellaceae); Genus (Proteus) Species (Vulgaris)

2. Description and significance

Proteus vulgaris is one of five bacterial species within the genus Proteus, and one of three species within the genus that are opportunistic pathogens (1). P. vulgaris is a rod-shaped, Gram negative bacterium between 1-3 microns in size, and is extremely motile, utilizing peritrichous flagella as its source of motility (2). All members of the genus Proteus are known to be saprophytes, an organism that resides in dead or decaying organic matter, mainly in fecal matter and intestinal tracts of humans and animals (1, 3). P. vulgaris is relevant in many fields of research, due to its pathogenic capabilities, as well as its capacity for antibiotic resistance (4, 5, 6). It has been observed in the digestive tracts of various livestock, including cattle, bovines, and carp, making the bacterium a danger to humans by means of food contamination (5, 7, 8). P. vulgaris is also known to cause numerous types of nosocomial infections, including those of the urinary tract, burns, and other exposed wounds, and can be associated with various types of brain abscesses (9, 10, 11). P. vulgaris may also have positive applications, such as biofuel production (12), aromatic contribution to cheese ripening (13), and plant growth promotion (14), but further research is needed to prove the effectiveness and validity of these applications.

3. Genome structure

Describe the size and content of the genome. How many chromosomes? Circular or linear? Other interesting features? What is known about its sequence? The genome of P. vulgaris has 3.97 million base pairs and 3,660 genes. It is circular in structure, and contains 3,513 proteins, 14 rRNa proteins, 77 tRNA proteins, and 53 pseudogenes (15). Bacteria from the genus Proteus can be differentiated on the basis of O-antigen variability, the serospecificity of the lipopolysaccharide can decipher between strains of Proteus rods divided into the groups: P. mirabilis, P. vulgaris, P. penneri, P. hauseri, and P. myxofaciens (16). The chemical structure of the sugar part of the lipopolysaccharide may play a role in enhancing pathogenicity (16).

4. Cell structure

Interesting features of cell structure. Can be combined with “metabolic processes”

5. Metabolic processes

Describe important sources of energy, electrons, and carbon (i.e. trophy) for the organism/organisms you are focusing on, as well as important molecules it/they synthesize(s).

6. Ecology

Habitat; symbiosis; contributions to the environment.

7. Pathology

How does this organism cause disease? Human, animal, plant hosts? Virulence factors, as well as patient symptoms.

8. Current Research

Include information about how this microbe (or related microbes) are currently being studied and for what purpose

9. References

It is required that you add at least five primary research articles (in same format as the sample reference below) that corresponds to the info that you added to this page. [Sample reference] Faller, A., and Schleifer, K. "Modified Oxidase and Benzidine Tests for Separation of Staphylococci from Micrococci". Journal of Clinical Microbiology. 1981. Volume 13. p. 1031-1035.