The world of microorganisms includes many species capable of causing serious health problems. One such species is Proteus mirabilis , a bacterium that, although less well known to the general public, is increasingly becoming a cause of dangerous infections, particularly in urology.

This microscopic creature possesses an impressive arsenal of mechanisms that allow it not only to colonize the human body but also to resist many antibiotics. However, a powerful alternative is emerging in modern science: phage therapy . Bacteriophages, or bacterial viruses as they are also called, may be the key to overcoming the resistance of Proteus mirabilis.

Information about bacteria

Proteus mirabilis is a Gram-negative, motile, rod-shaped bacterium from the Enterobacteriaceae family. It is a natural inhabitant of the human gastrointestinal tract, but when it enters other parts of the body, it can cause disease.

The bacterium has the ability to actively move thanks to flagella, which allows it to quickly spread over surfaces and penetrate various tissues.

It is especially dangerous for people with weakened immune systems, post-operative patients, and those with catheters or other implanted medical devices. In hospital settings, this pathogen often causes nosocomial infections.

Diseases caused by Proteus mirabilis

This microbe is a common cause of urinary tract infections (UTIs), including cystitis, pyelonephritis, and urethritis. In women, it most often causes cystitis, while in men, it can lead to prostatitis or epididymitis.

Proteus mirabilis also sometimes causes:

• wound infections (postoperative or traumatic);

• sepsis;

• respiratory tract infections;

• complications of bedsores.

One of the most unpleasant symptoms of infection caused by this microorganism is the formation of kidney stones, since the bacteria produces the enzyme urease, which promotes the formation of crystals in the urine.

Symptoms may include lower back pain, frequent and painful urination, fever, and cloudy, foul-smelling urine.

How is the bacteria transmitted and how to prevent infection?

Infection occurs primarily in hospitals—through medical instruments, catheters, poor hand hygiene, or contact with contaminated surfaces. It's less common at home, but the risk increases with poor personal hygiene or contact with contaminated water or food.

For prevention it is important:

• wash your hands thoroughly;

• disinfect medical instruments;

• limit unnecessary use of catheters;

• Strengthen your immune system and observe general sanitary standards.

Resistance of Proteus mirabilis

The bacterium is capable of forming biofilms that protect it from antibiotics. It also has the genetic ability to quickly adapt to new conditions, allowing it to develop antibiotic resistance even during treatment.

Particularly alarming are cases where Proteus mirabilis becomes resistant to last-line antimicrobials, such as carbapenems. This means that physicians are effectively left without effective treatment options.

What Science Says: Phage Therapy vs. Proteus Mirabilis

In 2022, scientists from the University of Virginia published the results of a study showing that specially isolated phages effectively lysed Proteus mirabilis strains , even those exhibiting multiple antibiotic resistance. Source: journals.asm.org

Another study conducted in Poland examined the clinical use of phages in patients with chronic urinary tract infections. After topical administration of bacteriophages, most patients showed a significant reduction in the number of Proteus mirabilis bacteria in urine samples.

Another experiment conducted at Kobe University (Japan) demonstrated that phages can not only kill bacteria but also disrupt their biofilms, making infection treatment even more effective. Source: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Application of phage therapy in otolaryngology

In particular, the use of the drugs "Piofag" and "Intestifag", containing bacteriophages against Proteus mirabilis: bacteriophages.info

As the world faces a crisis of antibiotic resistance, phage therapy offers an alternative approach that can complement or even replace traditional methods. It offers a chance to stop the spread of Proteus mirabilis while preserving the effectiveness of treatment and the health of millions of people.