GENETIC STUDY ON SWARMING PHENOMENON AND ADHERENCE CAPACITY OF Proteus Mirabilis

Abstract

Five local isolates of Proteus mirabilis(diagnosed in previous study)were selected to carry out studies on genetics depending on their ability to swarming phenomenon and adherence to uroepithelial cells. The results of plasmid content on agarose gel electrophoresis indicate the isolates of P.mirabilis have homogenous plasmid profile and all harbour small plamid bands differ in location and size. Plasmid curing experiments were performed using chemical agents (SDS and ethidium bromide). The results indicated that ethidium bromide caused plasmid elimination of P. mirabilis WEC9 and WEC14 isolates at concentration of 1.25%.WEC14 isolate showed also difference in swarming migration diameter on blood agar after plasmid curing which indicate the involvement of the plasmid and chromosome in regulation of swarming phenomenon in local isolate. The selected isolates indicate the ability for adherence to uroepithelial cells ,and the adhesion average ranged between 32-40 bacteria/uroepithelial cell, in regard of cured isolates the isolates were still able to adhere with an average of adhesion about 29 and 38 bacteria/uroepithelial compared with uncured isolates. The swarming inhibition of Ww14 isolate using various concentrations of anti –swarm agents (Urea, SDS and Tris) was performed. The results showed that Urea at a concentration of 1.25% displayed high inhibition with a mean value of (1±0.6) cm and SDS at a concentration of 1.25% showed inhibition with a mean value of (2 ± 0.7) cm, whereas the results of anti-swarming phenomenon using Tris at various concentrations were not statistically significant.