Microbiology
Aerobic gram-negative rod; P. mirabilis, P. myxofaciens, P. vulgaris. They swarm on the plate.
Epidemiologic Risks
Part of normal flora. Also found in sewage. P. mirabilis is in water.
Syndromes
UTI predominates, although like Escherichia coli it can show up anywhere.
Treatment
Resistance is increasing, I sure hope you know your local susceptibilities. Try quinolones OR third-generation cephalosporins OR carbapenems empirically.
Notes
Likes to help cause struvite renal stones by altering pH of urine by alkalinization of the urine due to the urease enzyme which splits urea into ammonia and carbon dioxide.
The cell wall O-antigenlike OX-2, OX-19, OX-k cross-react with several species of Rickettsiae and are used for the Weil-Felix reaction.
Curious Cases
Relevant links to my Medscape blog
Last update: 05/05/18