The Changing Epidemiology and Microbiology of Patients With Prostate Abscess: Increase in Staphylococcal Infection

Abstract Background Prostatic abscesses are rare and have been most commonly associated with gram-negative bacteria; however, Staphylococcus aureus has emerged as a leading cause, particularly in persons who are immunocompromised. Methods We conducted a retrospective chart review of all patients dis...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Open forum infectious diseases 2021-11, Vol.8 (11), p.ofab503-ofab503
Main Authors: McCormick, David W, Kaplan, Julika, Whigham, Cliff, Coburn, Michael, Greenberg, Stephen B
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Abscess
Comorbidity
Diabetes
Disease transmission
Health aspects
Major
Medical colleges
Methicillin
Microbiology
Septic shock
Staphylococcus aureus
Staphylococcus aureus infections
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Summary:Abstract Background Prostatic abscesses are rare and have been most commonly associated with gram-negative bacteria; however, Staphylococcus aureus has emerged as a leading cause, particularly in persons who are immunocompromised. Methods We conducted a retrospective chart review of all patients discharged from Ben Taub Hospital with a diagnosis of prostatic abscess during January 2011–January 2019. Demographic, clinical, microbiologic, and radiographic data were abstracted from the patients’ charts and analyzed for comorbidities, causative organisms, clinical course, and outcomes. Results We identified 32 patients with a prostatic abscess during the study period. S. aureus was the most common causative organism (18/32, 56%). Most patients (24/32, 75%) were admitted to a general medicine service, and the median length of stay was 9 days. Twenty-one patients (66%) were treated with a combination of surgical drainage and antibiotic therapy; 11 (34%) were treated with antibiotics alone. All patients treated with antibiotics alone had full clinical recovery. Two patients (6.3%) died, both of whom had septic shock secondary to disseminated S. aureus infection. Conclusions Prostatic abscesses are rare and can be difficult to diagnose, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. S. aureus is a frequent causative organism especially in persons with diabetes mellitus or other immunocompromising conditions. Hematogenous spread of S. aureus infection to the prostate appears common. Prostatic abscesses can serve as the nidus of disseminated S. aureus infection.
ISSN:2328-8957
2328-8957
DOI:10.1093/ofid/ofab503