Document Type : Original Article
Author
Abstract
Proteus mirabilis is a Gram-negative opportunistic pathogen commonly implicated in
urinary tract infections (UTIs) in both humans and animals. This study aimed to isolate and
identify P. mirabilis from urine samples of humans, cats, and dogs, and to evaluate the presence
and genetic variability of selected virulence genes. A total of 150 urine samples (50 from each host
species) were collected using sterile techniques. Isolation was performed on HiCrome UTI agar,
and identification was confirmed using the VITEK-2 system. PCR was employed to detect four
virulence genes: ureC, hpmA, mrpA, and ureR, followed by sequencing and SNP analysis. Out of
the 150 samples, 18 isolates were identified as P. mirabilis. DNA sequencing revealed varying
numbers of SNPs among the genes, with mrpA exhibiting the highest polymorphism, suggesting
potential genetic diversity and adaptation mechanisms. These findings highlight the zoonotic
potential of P. mirabilis and emphasize the importance of molecular characterization to understand
its virulence and evolutionary dynamics in different hosts.
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