BACKGROUND

Prostatic abscesses are rare and have been most commonly associated with gram-negative bacteria; however, 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. 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 infection.

CONCLUSIONS

Prostatic abscesses are rare and can be difficult to diagnose, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. is a frequent causative organism especially in persons with diabetes mellitus or other immunocompromising conditions. Hematogenous spread of infection to the prostate appears common. Prostatic abscesses can serve as the nidus of disseminated infection.