Analysis of UreC, MrpA, HpmA, and UreR Genes in Proteus mirabilis and Their Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms

Proteus mirabilis is a Gram-negative opportunistic pathogen commonly implicated in urinary tract infections (UTIs) in both humans and animals. This study aimed to isolate and identify P. mirabilis from urine samples of humans, cats, and dogs, and to evaluate the presence and genetic variability of selected virulence genes. A total of 150 urine samples (50 from each host species) were collected using sterile techniques. Isolation was performed on HiCrome UTI agar, and identification was confirmed using the VITEK-2 system. PCR was employed to detect four virulence genes: ureC, hpmA, mrpA, and ureR, followed by sequencing and SNP analysis. Out of the 150 samples, 18 isolates were identified as P. mirabilis. DNA sequencing revealed varying numbers of SNPs among the genes, with mrpA exhibiting the highest polymorphism (5605 SNPs), suggesting potential genetic diversity and adaptation mechanisms. These findings highlight the zoonotic potential of P. mirabilis and emphasize the importance of molecular characterization to understand its virulence and evolutionary dynamics in different hosts.