small oxidase-negative
catalase and indole-positive
gram-negative rods
Ferments:
- glucose - mannose
M morganii is motile, facultative anaerobic, and noncapsulated, and it hydrolyzes urease and reduces
nitrates.
Unlike Proteus species, swarming does not occur.
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
UTI
Sepsis
Pneumonia
Wound infections
Musculoskeletal infections
CNS infections
Pericarditis
EPIDEMIOLOGY
Frequency
United States
M morganii is a rare cause of severe invasive disease. It
accounts for less than 1% of nosocomial infections. M
morganii is usually opportunistic pathogen in hospitalized
patients, particularly those on antibiotic therapy.
Laboratory Studies
Positive:
-Urease
-Methyl Red
-Ornithine Decarboxylase
-Phenylalanine deaminase
-Gas from D-glucose
KCN growth
TREATMENT
Initiate treatment with an
extended-spectrum antipseudomonal cephalosporin or
penicillin combined with an aminoglycoside.
Preferred beta-lactam antibiotics include:
cefepime,
ceftazidime,
aztreonam,
piperacillin, and
piperacillin-tazobactam. Carbapenems (ie, imipenem,
meropenem) and
intravenous fluoroquinolones are reserved for resistant
cases.