Proteus mirabilis is a bacteria that commonly causes urinary tract infections and can contribute to bacterial vaginosis. P. mirabilis is able to swarm over surfaces, creating a bulls-eye pattern. It’s still under debate if P. mirabilis is commensal or pathogenic, and it is in the same family of bacteria as E. coli.
P. mirabilis is urease-positive, which may mean an ammonia odour can be detected, though if this is in the urine, it may be undetectable to your nose.
The P. mirabilis biofilm is strong, and made up of struvite (magnesium ammonium phosphate) and apatite (hydroxyl calcium phosphate).
