6 Serology of Proteus mirabilis and Proteus vulgaris

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the serology of Proteus mirabilis ( P . mirabilis ) and Proteus vulgaris ( P . vulgaris ). Proteus is a Gram-negative rod belonging to the family Enterobacteriaceae. Proteae are present in the normal faecal flora of man. The Proteus group of bacteria also frequently gives rise to bacteraemia. The chapter summarizes the different taxonomical considerations regarding Proteus . The serology of P . mirabilis and P . vulgaris , using the serological system is described. The swarming phenomenon is the main characteristic of Proteus growth on ordinary agar plates. The swarming, however, obscures the morphology of the separate colonies. A combination of O-serotyping, proticine production, proticine sensitivity, and Dienes typing provide a discriminating typing scheme for P . mirabilis and P . vulgaris . The serotyping technique proves reliable and allows large numbers of strains to be handled. Some strains, however, are non-typable according to O- and H-antigens. This indicates the need for additional typing techniques or further elaboration of the serological typing schemata.