Sample D: Mid-flow urine sample, grown on nutrient agar: proteus mirabilis

An 80 year old female in-patient presented with nausea, abdominal discomfort, clouded and foul-smelling urine.  The patient had previously been admitted to hospital following a fall at home. The patient had fractured her right femur and required immobilisation. At this time urinary catheter was fitted, which had remained in place for several weeks.

      for the microorganism, give at least one example of a relevant virulence factor and explain how this enhances pathogenicity