Question

You are fiddling around in your lab and you genetically modify Proteus mirabilis, a well-known cause of urinary tract infections, such that it now produces more significant amounts of EPS (extra-polymeric substance). What might be the consequences of this modification on the pathogenicity of this variant?

Answer 1

Proteus mirabilis causative agent of urine infection express virulence factor associated with host damage, motility as well as biofilm production . It forms biofilm in a diverse condition with human host resulting growth of swarmer cell, struvite and hydroxyapatite in urine thus complicating patient's condition. Extra polymeric substances are produced by microorganisms, a natural polymer and provides structural integrity of biofilms. So genetically modified P. mirabilis produce more EPS will be more pathogenic and can seriously make patients' condition more critical.