Taxonomy
Family: Enterobacteriaceae
P.vulgaris
- P.penneri (= P.vulgaris genomosp 1)
- P.hauseri (= P.vulgaris genomosp 3)

Natural habitats
Proteae occur in humans, animals and the environment, especially in locations where animal protein decomposes.

Clinical significance
They were isolated from wounds, soft tissue and urine

P. vulgaris and P. penneri are easily isolated from individuals in long term care facilities and hospitals and from patients with underlying diseases or compromised immune systems.

P. vulgaris is more susceptible to cause nosocomial infections

In people with congenital or anatomic abnormality of the urinary tract or a stone in the urinary tract, are predominantly Proteus (mostly P. mirabilis) infections.
They quickly put this urea into ammonia, which creates an alkaline environment. This can be harmful to the kidney and promotes the formation of stones materials consist of a biochemical complex, which is called struvite. In the stone Proteus bacteria can survive despite therapy, leading to chronic UTI.