ABSTRACT
This chapter provides state-of-the-art overviews on foodborne diseases caused by Proteus in relation to their etiology, biology, epidemiology, clinical presentation, pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. The name Proteus was inspired by Homer's "Odyssey" for his character named Proteus, who had the ability to change his shape and to undergo an endless transformation. Houser described two species: Proteus vulgaris and Proteus mirabilis. The taxonomic classification of Proteus bacteria has changed several times. In a review of 132 cases of bacteremia due to Proteus spp., Kim et al. found that 63 involved Proteus spp., with the incidence thus being 1.32 per 10,000 admissions to the hospital. Bacteria present within urinary stones are protected from host defense mechanisms and antibiotic treatment. In the case of Proteus mirabilis, Lipopolysaccharide and O-antigen have a role in surface sensing.
