Proteus mirabilis is a microbe often associated with urinary tract infections in patients with kidney stones or in-dwelling catheters. An analysis of the P.mirabilis genome led to the discovery of a total of 15 genes coding for adherence factors or fimbriae, cellular accessories that help the bacteria cell adhering to surfaces such as kidney or bladder stones and catheters.

"Over the course of 20-plus years of laboratory research, we had painstakingly identified four P. mirabilis fimbriae," says Mobley. "Suddenly, here were 11 more predicted in the genome sequence data. We couldn't believe it."

Pearson also discovered what she calls a "pathogenicity island" in the P. mirabilis genome made up of 24 genes that encode components of a system used to inject bacterial proteins into host cells.

The results have been presented during the recently concluded ASM meeting. These culd very well be targets for future drug and vaccine development, although the researchers admit it will still take several years' worth of research.

Read the Univ of Michigan feature report for more details.

[Photo: P.mirabilis, UMMS]