Sketchy Micro: Proteus Mirabilis

Question 1

What type of bacterium is Proteus mirabilis?

Answer 1

Gram-negative rod (like the red walls of the bathroom stalls)

Question 2

When plated, Proteus demonstrates a ______________.

Answer 2

“swarming motility” (the sprawling tentacles of Sea God Proteus’s legs are meant to symbolize this)

Question 3

Proteus mirabilis can cause what renal phenomenon?

Answer 3

Staghorn calculi (shown in the horns of Proteus)

Question 4

What feature allows Proteus to infect the urinary tract?

Answer 4

It is urease positive (like the ammonia bottle wielded by Proteus). Thus, it is able to cleave urea and make the acidic urine more alkaline.

Question 5

What are Proteus stones called?

Answer 5

Struvite (ammonia magnesium phosphate)

Question 6

Proteus is said to have a __________ odor.

Answer 6

fishy (like the fish that have been strewn around the tentacles of Proteus)

Question 7

What antibiotic treats Proteus?

Answer 7

Sulfonamides (symbolized by the rotting eggs on the floor by the urinal)