ISSN 2736-1756
Advanced Journal of Microbiology Research Vol. 2004
Available online at http://internationalscholarsjournals.org/journal/ajmr
© 2004 International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Comparative biochemical and molecular evaluation of swarming of Proteus and effects of anti-swarm agents
Iwalokun BA1*, Olukosi YA2, Adejoro A1, Olaye JA1, Fashade O1
1Biochemistry Department, Lagos state University, P.M.B. 1087, Apapa, Lagos, Nigeria.
2Genetics Division, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), 6 Edmond Crescent, Yaba – Lagos, P.M.B. 2013, Lagos, Nigeria.
Accepted 6 December 2003
Abstract
In addition to inadequate understanding of swarming motility and virulence of Proteus, there is paucity of information on the relative effectiveness of the various anti-swarm agents. The anti-swarming effects of urea, sodium dodecylsulphate (SDS) and trihydroxymethylglycine (Tris) on 40 clinical isolates of Proteus Spp. were comparatively investigated and plasmids associated with swarming were characterized. The three substances elicited a comparable concentration-dependent anti-swarming property at 0.25 – 1.25% on nutrient agar. Anti-swarm agents displayed heterogeneity in their ability to cause significant decreases in the expression of virulence factors. Swarm motility was further found to be strongly associated with the expression of virulence factors in these strains. Of the Proteus strains tested, 32 were found to harbour 1 – 4 plasmids of size ranging from 6.0 – 33.5 kb. Plasmid curing resulted in loss of swarming in 65.6% of these strains. In order to reduce the risk of infection with virulent Proteus strains, the laboratory use of urea and SDS is suggested.
Key words: Proteus, swarming, urea, SDS, Tris.