Derepression of the smvA Efflux System Arises in Clinical Isolates of Proteus mirabilis and Reduces Susceptibility to Chlorhexidine and Other Biocides

Abstract

Proteus mirabilis is a common pathogen of the catheterized urinary tract and often described as intrinsically resistant to the biocide chlorhexidine (CHD). Here, we demonstrate that derepression of the smvA efflux system has occurred in clinical isolates of P. mirabilis and reduces susceptibility to CHD and other cationic biocides.