Individuals showing symptoms of a UTI, such as burning during urination, frequent urination, or cloudy urine, would benefit from testing for Proteus, especially if they have recurrent infections or are immunocompromised. People with non-healing wounds or healthcare-associated infections, such as those in hospitals or long-term care facilities, may also need testing to identify Proteus as the causative agent.

Elevated levels of Proteus bacteria can cause a variety of symptoms, depending on the location of the infection. The most common symptoms are:

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs): Pain, burning, and frequency of urination, cloudy or bloody urine, fever, and chills.
• Pneumonia: Fever, cough, shortness of breath, and chest pain.
• Skin infections: Redness, swelling, warmth, and pain.
• Sepsis: Fever, chills, rapid breathing, and confusion, decreased urination, dehydration, seizures, and shock.

It is important to note that elevated Proteus levels do not always cause symptoms. In some cases, the bacteria may simply be present in the stool without causing any problems.

People can become infected with Proteus through contact with contaminated food, water, or soil, or through contact with the mucous membranes or wounds of an infected person.

Specifically, Proteus can be spread through the following routes:

• Feces-oral transmission: This is the most common route of transmission. Proteus bacteria can be found in the feces of infected people and animals. If someone comes into contact with contaminated feces, they can become infected. This can happen through contact with contaminated food, water, or soil, or through contact with the mucous membranes or wounds of an infected person.
• Contact with contaminated surfaces: Proteus bacteria can survive for long periods of time on contaminated surfaces. If someone comes into contact with a contaminated surface, they can become infected. This can happen through contact with contaminated objects, such as medical equipment or toys.
• Airborne transmission: Proteus bacteria can be spread through the air in droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. If someone inhales these droplets, they can become infected.

There is some evidence to suggest that Proteus bacteria may play a role in the development of Crohn’s disease in some people. Proteus bacteria are opportunistic pathogens that can cause infections in a variety of body systems, including the digestive system. In some cases, Proteus bacteria have been found to be present in the intestines of people with Crohn’s disease.