Differential susceptibility of Escherichia coli and Proteus mirabilis to mouse urine and to urea.
The purpose of this investigation was to compare the antimicrobial properties of mouse urine and of urea against Escherichia coli and Proteus mirabilis. Nornal urine was found to inhibit the growth of E. coli and P. mirabilis, whereas urine from diuresing animals permitted multiplication of these bacteria. Addition of urea to urine from diuresing animals restored its bactericidal effect on P. mirabilis but not on E. coli. This bactericidal effect on P. mirabilis was dependent on the additive action of high content of urea and high pH and was prevented by the addition of urease inhibitor.
Differential susceptibility of Escherichia coli and Proteus mirabilis to mouse urine and to urea. The purpose of this investigation was to compare the antimicrobial properties of mouse urine and of urea against Escherichia coli and Proteus mirabilis. Nornal urine was found to inhibit the growth of E. coli and P. mirabilis, whereas urine from diuresing animals permitted multiplication of these bacteria. Addition of urea to urine from diuresing animals restored its bactericidal effect on P. mirabilis but not on E. coli. This bactericidal effect on P. mirabilis was dependent on the additive action of high content of urea and high pH and was prevented by the addition of urease inhibitor.