Molecular Detection of ZapA Gene and Multidrugs Resistance Among Proteus Mirabilis Isolated From Different Clinical Samples in Al-Najaf Province

Abstract Background: Proteus mirabilis is regarded as a significant causal agent in both community and hospital-acquired illnesses. P. mirabilis exhibits factors implicated in both cell-associated and extracellular pathogenicity. Included among the expressed factors are virulence factors that can induce pathogenicity in infected hosts, such as lipopolysaccharides, iron-sensitive proteases, urease, haemolysin systems, and swarming fimbriae. Methods: The strain was extracted from clinical specimens obtained from patients in prominent hospitals in Al-Najaf province. Traditional identification using microscopic morphology, colony characteristics on selective and differential culture media, and biochemical reactions revealed that only 20 out of 140 clinical samples tested positive for P. mirabilis. Results: The distribution of these 20 samples resulted in positive growth of P. mirabilis. The gender distribution consisted of 13 females (65%) and 7 males (35%). This study encompassed the phenotyping of swimming and swarming motilities, in addition to blood haemolysis and proteolytic enzymes. The results indicated that the isolates hemolyze blood and that 90% of the isolates generate protease. Conclusion: All clinical isolates of P. mirabilis possess the ability to generate a substantial biofilm. The disc diffusion antibiotic susceptibility assay of the isolates for frequently utilised antibiotics against P. mirabilis demonstrated a broad spectrum of resistance rates. The greatest resistance percentage was recorded in Nitrofurans (Nitrofurantoin) at 100%, followed by Macrolides (Azithromycin) and Tetracyclines (Tetracycline and Doxycycline) at 90%, Ciprofloxacin at 85%, and Amoxicillin at 80%. The lowest resistance percentages were noted for Levofloxacin (35%) and Aminoglycosides (Gentamicin) (15%).