Genomes comparison of two Proteus mirabilis clones showing varied swarming ability

Abstract

Background Proteus mirabilis is a Gram-negative bacteria most noted for its involvement with catheter-associated urinary tract infections. It is also known for its multicellular migration over solid surfaces, referred to as ‘swarming motility’. Here we analyzed the genomic sequences of two P. mirabilis isolates, designated K38 and K39, which exhibit varied swarming ability. Methods and results The isolates genomes were sequenced using Illumina NextSeq sequencer, resulting in about 3.94 Mbp, with a GC content of 38.6%, genomes. Genomes were subjected for in silico comparative investigation. We revealed that, despite a difference in swarming motility, the isolates showed high genomic relatedness (up to 100% ANI similarity), suggesting that one of the isolates probably originated from the other. Conclusions The genomic sequences will allow us to investigate the mechanism driving this intriguing phenotypic heterogeneity between closely related P. mirabilis isolates. Phenotypic heterogeneity is an adaptive strategy of bacterial cells to several environmental pressures. It is also an important factor related to their pathogenesis. Therefore, the availability of these genomic sequences will facilitate studies that focus on the host–pathogen interactions during catheter-associated urinary tract infections.

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“…This phenomenon begins when the bacteria come into contact with a solid surface and undergo a phenotypic switch from a shorter “swim cell” to elongated “swarm cell” morphology. Massive expression of most of P. mirabilis ’s virulence factors, such as enzyme urease, IgA protease, and hemolysin have been observed to be associated with the swarming phenotype [ 13 , 14 ]. It has also been shown that swarming cells invade uroepithelial cells more effectively than vegetative cells [ 15 ].…”