Assessment of Biofilm Formation Ability and the Presence of mrpA and rsbA Genes in Proteus mirabilis Isolated from Diabetic Wounds

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

• Maryam fatemi
• Zahra Hejazi
• Roya Moravej

Department of Biology, Ma. C., IslamicAzadUniversity, Mashhad, Iran.

10.22034/ijmcm.2025.710277

Abstract

Proteus mirabilis is a clinically significant opportunistic pathogen that harbors the mrpA and rsbA genes, which are pivotal in mediating biofilm formation and bacterial adhesion to host surfaces. Diabetic wounds, a prevalent complication of diabetes mellitus, pose substantial challenges to patient health and quality of life due to their susceptibility to persistent infections. This study aimed to evaluate the biofilm-forming capacity and the presence of mrpA and rsbA genes in P. mirabilis isolates from diabetic wounds. A total of 150 wound samples (69 females and 81 males) were collected from Mashhad Pathobiology Laboratory between July and March 2024. Isolates were identified using conventional microbiological and biochemical assays, followed by PCR confirmation. Biofilm formation was assessed through Congo Red Agar and microtiter plate assays, while the presence of mrpA and rsbA was determined by gene-specific PCR. Out of 150 samples, 17 isolates (11.3%) were confirmed as P. mirabilis. Phenotypic analysis indicated that 8 isolates were strong biofilm producers, 7 moderate, and 2 weak. Notably, all isolates (100%) carried both mrpA and rsbA genes. These findings highlight the integral role of mrpA and rsbA in biofilm development in diabetic wound-derived P. mirabilis strains. Insights into these genetic determinants may inform the design of targeted interventions to prevent and control biofilm-associated infections, ultimately improving therapeutic outcomes in patients with diabetic wounds.

Keywords

• Proteus mirabilis
• Biofilm
• mrpA
• rsbA
• Diabetic Wounds

Main Subjects

• Clinical Microbiology

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