Classification, identification, and clinical significance of Proteus, Providencia, and Morganella

• Published in: Clinical microbiology reviews Vol. 13; no. 4; pp. 534 - 546
• Main Authors: MOHR O'HARA, Caroline, BRENNER, Frances W, MILLER, J. Michael
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Washington, DC American Society for Microbiology 01.10.2000
• Subjects: Anti-Bacterial Agents - pharmacology; Bacterial Typing Techniques; Bacteriological methods and techniques used in bacteriology; Bacteriology; Biological and medical sciences; Enterobacteriaceae Infections - microbiology; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Humans; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Microbiology; Morganella; Morganella - classification; Morganella - drug effects; Morganella - genetics; Proteus; Proteus - classification; Proteus - drug effects; Proteus - genetics; Proteus Infections - microbiology; Providencia; Providencia - classification; Providencia - drug effects; Providencia - genetics; Reviews; Taxonomy; Genotype; Identification; Review; Method; Morganella; Characterization; Proteus; Phenotype; Ribosomal RNA; Providencia; 16S-RNA; Bacteria; Enterobacteriaceae
• ISSN: 0893-8512; 1098-6618
• DOI: 10.1128/CMR.13.4.534

This review presents the current taxonomy of the genera Proteus, Providencia, and Morganella, along with the current methods for the identification of each species within the three genera, incorporating both conventional biochemical and commercial methods. While all of these organisms are ubiquitous in the environment, individual case reports and nosocomial outbreak reports that demonstrate their ability to cause major infectious disease problems are presented. Lastly, anticipated antimicrobial susceptibility patterns are reviewed. Many of these organisms are easily controlled, but the advent of newer and more powerful antimicrobial agents has led to some problems of which laboratorians need to be aware.