Proteus bacterium belongs to the conditionally pathogenic species of the microflora of our intestines. Minor content is considered the norm and does not require special treatment. At the same time, cases of severe infections caused by this strain have become more frequent. This is indicative not only of the proliferation of the protea, but also of the improvement of the methods of modern diagnostics.
Morphology and Species
For the first time this bacterium was discovered in 1885, and its name was given in honor of the ancient Greek hero Proteus, who can change his appearance. This comparison is not accidental, because in different conditions the appearance of the bacterium can be strikingly different.
In bacteria of this species the following characteristic features:
- Do not form capsules and spores.
- Do not stain when tested with Gram.
- Small size( up to 3 μm length and 0.3 μm width).
- They have long flagella that allow them to move quickly.
- Resistance to low temperatures( survive even when frozen).
- To high temperatures are unstable, die already at 60 degrees.
- Have a toxic and hemolytic effect on the living organism.
- Differs average sensitivity to disinfectants.
Also to the peculiarities can be attributed the inability to identify antigenic analysis of pathogenic strains. This often makes diagnosis difficult, because they are localized in the intestines of almost all mammals, as well as in the external environment.
This kind of bacteria is often called sanitary-indicative, because by their quantity it is possible to judge the fecal contamination of soil and water.
Ways of infection
Good resistance to temperature changes allows the bacteria of this family to actively develop in the external environment.
The habitat can be not only a living organism, but also soil, water, and also any organic remains.
Proteus can be infected by such methods:
- Water. Bathing in contaminated inaccessible bodies of water, drinking water from unverified sources.
- Nutritional. Eating stale or improperly cooked meals, canned food or semi-finished foods. This also applies to unwashed fruits and vegetables.
- Contact - household. If personal hygiene rules are not respected from the infected person or animal, or when using non-sterile medical equipment or equipment.
In the risk group - children and adults with reduced immunity, after suffering illnesses and predisposition to intestinal diseases. In addition, such infections are often observed against the backdrop of uncontrolled antibacterial medication.
Most often, the proteus affects the gastrointestinal tract, but there are cases of infection of the genitourinary system.
How does the infection develop?
The growth of pathogenic microflora occurs very quickly. After entering the body of the proteic bacteria, the incubation period ranges from two hours to three days. Depending on the pathways of infection, as well as the general condition of the patient, the following changes occur.
Pathogenic effect of the protein on the human body:
- Gastrointestinal tract infection.
- Dysbacteriosis of the intestine.
- Urinary tract infection.
- Infections of internal organs.
- Inflammatory processes of skin.
Symptoms of
Clinical manifestations of infection are very diverse, depending on the location of the bacteria. Basically, the gastrointestinal tract, genitourinary system, skin lesions and burns are affected.
There are cases of infection of the umbilical wound of newborns, as well as the introduction of a secondary infection in case of non-observance of personal hygiene rules.
Main manifestations of infection:
- General intoxication of the body, weakness, nausea, headache, fever.
- Cramping pains in the stomach, loose stools with a strong odor, vomiting and flatulence. Symptoms of dysbiosis can differ by individual indicators.
- In severe forms of damage, hematopoietic function, anemia and hemolytic uremic syndrome( dysfunction of the blood system and renal failure) are possible.
- The defeat of the urinary tract leads to cystitis, pyelonephritis, prostatitis. The symptomatology is completely identical to the usual course of such ailments.
- When infecting the skin on existing wounds and burns, trophic ulcers appear, the healing takes place very slowly, accompanied by a secondary infection. As a rule, such wounds have fetid odor and pus.
Consequences of the transferred illness can become gastric diseases: gastritis, enterocolitis, gastroenteritis.
It is observed that the majority of external lesions occur with the participation of Proteus mirabilis, but the disorder of the intestinal function is "responsible" for Proteus vulgaris.
Proteus in children
A regularity is observed in which the protaea bacterium most often affects the organism of young children.
There may be infection of the umbilical wound, as well as infecting the child if the rules of personal hygiene are not observed.
If an increased protein content is detected in the analysis of feces or urine, even without negative symptoms, it is necessary to undergo further examination to prevent further infection of the body.
Diagnosis
The most common laboratory test is for feces, urine and the contents of purulent wounds. The normal content of the protein in the stool is up to 104 cfu / g, in urine - 105 microbial bodies in 1 ml.
Elevated indices indicate the inflammatory process caused by this strain, sometimes in conjunction with the detection of other opportunistic bacteria.
A clinical blood test involves the study of antibodies. Low efficiency due to the high risk of error and is used exclusively in retrospective diagnostics. In addition, a general body examination is performed to assess the severity of the patient's condition and to rule out an incorrect diagnosis.
Treatment of
Proteus bacterium possesses natural resistance to many antibiotics. The treatment plan is determined individually, based on clinical analyzes and general symptoms of the disease.
Prevention of
Important conditions for the prevention of disease are personal hygiene and careful compliance with cooking techniques. Do not use products that have expired, or if they suspect improper storage.
Danger is also present in contaminated water bodies, especially with standing water. Bathing and drinking such water can cause contamination not only with the proteic bacteria, but also with other dangerous diseases.