LONG-TERM STUDIES OF UREASE-INDUCED CRYSTALLIZATION IN HUMAN URINE

Urine samples were inoculated with viable Proteus mirabilis or purifie d Jack bean urease. The subsequent pH increase and crystallization wer e followed for 2 weeks. Particle formation was detected much earlier a nd at a lower pH in urines inoculated with Proteus, in which a higher end pH was also reached. The crystal configuration in bacteria and ure ase inoculated samples was different. Crystal aggregation was also muc h more pronounced in the Proteus mirabilis inoculated samples. The tot al precipitation was markedly increased in the Proteus mirabilis inocu lated samples. The presence of live Proteus mirabilis thus has a profo und influence on urease-induced crystallization in human urine. Despit e the formation of rather large crystal aggregates in the Proteus-inoc ulated urines, no firm aggregates of a ''prestone'' type were observed .