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Am Fam Physician. 2016;93(2):114-120

Patient information: A handout on this topic is available at https://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/prostatitis.html.

Author disclosure: No relevant financial affiliations.

Acute bacterial prostatitis is an acute infection of the prostate gland that causes pelvic pain and urinary tract symptoms, such as dysuria, urinary frequency, and urinary retention, and may lead to systemic symptoms, such as fevers, chills, nausea, emesis, and malaise. Although the true incidence is unknown, acute bacterial prostatitis is estimated to comprise approximately 10% of all cases of prostatitis. Most acute bacterial prostatitis infections are community acquired, but some occur after transurethral manipulation procedures, such as urethral catheterization and cystoscopy, or after transrectal prostate biopsy. The physical examination should include abdominal, genital, and digital rectal examination to assess for a tender, enlarged, or boggy prostate. Diagnosis is predominantly made based on history and physical examination, but may be aided by urinalysis. Urine cultures should be obtained in all patients who are suspected of having acute bacterial prostatitis to determine the responsible bacteria and its antibiotic sensitivity pattern. Additional laboratory studies can be obtained based on risk factors and severity of illness. Radiography is typically unnecessary. Most patients can be treated as outpatients with oral antibiotics and supportive measures. Hospitalization and broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics should be considered in patients who are systemically ill, unable to voluntarily urinate, unable to tolerate oral intake, or have risk factors for antibiotic resistance. Typical antibiotic regimens include ceftriaxone and doxycycline, ciprofloxacin, and piperacillin/tazobactam. The risk of nosocomial bacterial prostatitis can be reduced by using antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin, before transrectal prostate biopsy.

Acute bacterial prostatitis is an acute infection of the prostate gland that causes urinary tract symptoms and pelvic pain in men.1 It is estimated to comprise up to 10% of all prostatitis diagnoses, and its incidence peaks in persons 20 to 40 years of age and in persons older than 70 years.2 Most cases can be diagnosed with a convincing history and physical examination.3 Although prostatitis-like symptoms have a combined prevalence of 8.2% in men, the incidence and prevalence of acute bacterial prostatitis are unknown.4

Clinical recommendationEvidence ratingReferencesComments
Prostatic massage should be avoided in patients suspected of having acute bacterial prostatitis.C11, 12, 20, 22 Expert consensus
Midstream urine culture should be used to guide antibiotic therapy for acute bacterial prostatitis.C3, 10, 11 Prospective cohort study, retrospective cohort study
Blood cultures are indicated in patients with a body temperature greater than 101.1°F (38.4°C), a possible hematogenous source of infection (e.g., endocarditis with Staphylococcus aureus), or complicated infections (e.g., sepsis), and in patients who are immunocompromised.C21 Prospective cohort study
Prostate-specific antigen testing is not indicated in the evaluation of acute bacterial prostatitis.C11, 12, 20 Prospective cohort study
Fevers that persist for longer than 36 hours should be evaluated with imaging to rule out prostatic abscess.C27 Expert opinion
Acute bacterial prostatitis occurring after a transrectal prostate biopsy should be treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics to cover fluoroquinolone-resistant bacteria and extended spectrum beta-lactamase–producing Escherichia coli.C1518, 24 Multiple retrospective cohort studies and one prospective cohort study

Pathogenesis

Most cases of acute bacterial prostatitis are caused by ascending urethral infection or intraprostatic reflux and are facilitated by numerous risk factors (Table 1).410 These infections may occur from direct inoculation after transrectal prostate biopsy and transurethral manipulations (e.g., catheterization and cystoscopy).68 Occasionally, direct or lymphatic spread from the rectum or hematogenous spread via bacterial sepsis can cause acute bacterial prostatitis.11 Overall, community-acquired infections are three times more common than nosocomial infections.3

Benign prostatic hypertrophy*
Genitourinary infections*
Epididymitis
Orchitis
Urethritis
Urinary tract infection
High-risk sexual behavior
History of sexually transmitted diseases*
Immunocompromised
Phimosis
Prostate manipulation*
Cystoscopy
Transrectal prostate biopsy
Transurethral surgery
Urethral catheterization
Urodynamic studies
Urethral stricture

Microbiology

Acute bacterial prostatitis is most frequently caused by Escherichia coli, followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella, Enterococcus, Enterobacter, Proteus, and Serratia species.3,5,7,10 In sexually active men, Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis should be considered.12 Patients who are immunocompromised (e.g., persons with human immunodeficiency virus) are more likely to have uncommon causes for prostatitis, such as Salmonella, Candida, and Cryptococcus species (Table 2).3,7,10,12

Common*Uncommon
Escherichia coli (> 50% of cases)Chlamydia trachomatis
Pseudomonas aeruginosaFungi (Aspergillus, Candida, Cryptococcus, and Histoplasma species)
Klebsiella speciesMycobacterium tuberculosis
Enterococcus speciesMycoplasma genitalium
Enterobacter speciesNeisseria gonorrhoeae
Proteus speciesSalmonella species
Serratia speciesStaphylococcus species
Streptococcus species
Trichomonas vaginalis
Ureaplasma urealyticum

Infections that occur after transurethral manipulation are more likely to be caused by Pseudomonas species, which have higher rates of resistance to cephalosporins and carbapenems.7 Transrectal prostate biopsies can cause postoperative infections. Perioperative antibiotics have reduced the rates of postoperative prostatitis to between 0.67% and 2.10% of cases, but have increased the incidence of prostatitis caused by fluoroquinolone-resistant bacteria and extended spectrum beta-lactamase–producing E. coli.1318

Clinical Presentation

Patients with acute bacterial prostatitis often present with acute onset of irritative (e.g., dysuria, urinary frequency, urinary urgency) or obstructive (e.g., hesitancy, incomplete voiding, straining to urinate, weak stream) voiding symptoms. Patients may report suprapubic, rectal, or perineal pain.6,9,11 Painful ejaculation, hematospermia, and painful defecation may be present as well.19 Systemic symptoms, such as fever, chills, nausea, emesis, and malaise, commonly occur, and their presence should prompt physicians to determine if patients meet clinical criteria for sepsis.

The physical examination should include an abdominal examination to detect a distended bladder and costovertebral angle tenderness, a genital examination, and a digital rectal examination. A digital rectal examination should be performed gently because vigorous prostatic massage can induce bacteremia, and subsequently, sepsis.9,11,20 In a patient with acute bacterial prostatitis, the prostate will often be tender, enlarged, or boggy. If there is concern for obstructed voiding, postvoid residual urine volumes should be measured using ultrasonography.

Several conditions present with similar symptoms and must be differentiated from acute bacterial prostatitis (Table 3).

DiagnosisDistinguishing characteristics
Benign prostatic hypertrophyObstructive voiding symptoms; enlarged, nontender prostate; negative urine culture
Chronic bacterial prostatitisRecurring prostatitis symptoms for at least three months; positive urine culture with each episode
Chronic pelvic pain syndromePain attributed to the prostate with no demonstrable evidence of infection
CystitisIrritative voiding symptoms; normal prostate examination
DiverticulitisLeft lower-quadrant abdominal pain; acute change in bowel habits; history of diverticulitis; tenderness to palpation localized to the left lower abdominal quadrant
EpididymitisIrritative voiding symptoms; tenderness to palpation on affected epididymis
OrchitisSwelling, pain, and/or tenderness to palpation in one or both testicles
ProctitisTenesmus; rectal bleeding; feeling of rectal fullness; passage of mucus through the rectum
Prostate cancerPresence of constitutional symptoms; presence of nodules on prostate examination

Evaluation

A convincing history and physical examination are typically sufficient to diagnose acute bacterial prostatitis. Physicians should obtain a urinalysis and midstream urine culture to support the clinical diagnosis before administering antibiotics.3,10,11

Blood cultures should be collected before initiating antibiotics in patients with a body temperature greater than 101.1°F (38.4°C), a possible hematogenous source of infection (e.g., endocarditis with Staphylococcus aureus), complicated infections (e.g., sepsis), or who are immunocompromised.11,21 Although blood and urine cultures can aid in diagnosis and management, up to 35% of urine cultures in patients with acute prostatitis will fail to grow an organism.3

In men younger than 35 years who are sexually active, and in men older than 35 years who engage in high-risk sexual behavior, a Gram stain of urethral swabs, a culture of urethral discharge, or a DNA amplification test should be obtained to evaluate for N. gonorrhoeae and C. trachomatis.11,22

Urine testing before and after prostatic massage (also known as the Meares-Stamey 2-glass or 4-glass test) is useful in diagnosing chronic prostate and pelvic disorders; however, such testing should not be performed in patients with suspected acute bacterial prostatitis because prostatic massage increases the risk of bacteremia, and subsequently, sepsis.

PROGNOSTIC FACTORS

A 2014 study of patients with acute bacterial prostatitis identified age older than 65 years, body temperature greater than 100.4°F (38°C), benign prostatic hypertrophy, urinary retention, and transurethral catheterization as factors associated with poor outcomes.23 These outcomes included septic shock, positive blood culture, and prostatic abscess.23 In patients with any of these factors, the physician should strongly consider ordering a complete blood count and a basic metabolic panel. In the same study, a white blood cell count greater than 18,000 per mm3 (18 × 109 per L) and a blood urea nitrogen level greater than 19 mg per dL (6.8 mmol per L) were independently associated with severe cases of acute bacterial prostatitis. Inflammatory markers, such as C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate, will likely be elevated, but these tests have minimal clinical or diagnostic utility.23

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels are not indicated in the workup of acute bacterial prostatitis.11,12,20 Approximately 70% of men will have a spurious PSA elevation due to disruption of prostatic architecture caused by inflammation.19 Elevated PSA levels can persist for one to two months after treatment.11,12 If PSA levels remain elevated for more than two months, prostate cancer should be considered because 20% of persistent elevations are associated with malignancy.19

IMAGING

Imaging studies are usually unnecessary during the initial evaluation, but may help when the diagnosis remains unclear or when patients do not respond to adequate antibiotic therapy. Patients who remain febrile after 36 hours or whose symptoms do not improve with antibiotics should undergo transrectal ultrasonography to evaluate for prostatic abscess. Alternatively, noncontrast computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the pelvis could be considered. Prostate biopsy should not be performed to avoid inducing septicemia.

Management

Management of acute bacterial prostatitis should be based on severity of symptoms, risk factors, and local antibiotic resistance patterns (Figure 1). Most patients can be treated with outpatient antibiotics; fewer than one in six patients will require hospitalization.6 Admission criteria are listed in Table 4.

Failed outpatient management
Inability to tolerate oral intake
Resistance risk factors
Recent fluoroquinolone use
Recent transurethral or transrectal prostatic manipulation
Systemically ill or septicemia
Urinary retention

Initial empiric antibiotic therapy should be based on the suspected mode of infection and the presumed infecting organism (Table 5).5,79,1517,24,25 Antibiotics should be adjusted based on culture and sensitivity results, when available.10,15 Men younger than 35 years who are sexually active and men older than 35 years who engage in high-risk sexual behavior should be treated with regimens that cover N. gonorrhoeae and C. trachomatis.12 Patients with risk factors for antibiotic resistance require intravenous therapy with broad-spectrum regimens because of the high likelihood of complications.7,8,15,24

GroupPrimary regimenAlternative regimenConsiderations
ASingle dose of ceftriaxone (Rocephin), 250 mg intramuscularly, or single dose of cefixime (Suprax), 400 mg orallyRegimen covers Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis infections in addition to other common bacterial pathogens
then
Doxycycline, 100 mg orally twice daily for 10 days
BCiprofloxacin, 500 mg orally twice daily for 10 to 14 daysTrimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, 160/800 mg orally twice daily for 10 to 14 daysExtend treatment for 2 weeks if patient remains symptomatic
or
Levofloxacin (Levaquin), 500 to 750 mg orally daily for 10 to 14 days
CCiprofloxacin, 400 mg IV every 12 hoursCeftriaxone, 1 to 2 g IV every 24 hoursContinue treatment until patient is afebrile, then transition to oral regimen (group B) for an additional 2 to 4 weeks
orplus
Levofloxacin, 500 to 750 mg IV every 24 hoursLevofloxacin, 500 to 750 mg IV every 24 hours
or
Piperacillin/tazobactam (Zosyn), 3.375 g IV every 6 hours
DPiperacillin/tazobactam, 3.375 g IV every 6 hours plus aminoglycosides*Fluoroquinolone (group C)Continue treatment until patient is afebrile, then transition to oral regimen (group B) for an additional 2 to 4 weeks
plus
orAminoglycosides*
Cefotaxime (Claforan), 2 g IV every 4 hours plus aminoglycosides*or
orErtapenem (Invanz), 1 g IV every 24 hours
Ceftazidime (Fortaz), 2 g IV every 8 hours plus aminoglycosides*or
Imipenem/cilastatin (Primaxin), 500 mg IV every 6 hours
or
Meropenem (Merrem IV), 500 mg IV every 8 hours
ETransrectal manipulation—fluoroquinolone resistance and extended spectrum beta-lactamase–producing Escherichia coliContinue treatment until patient is afebrile, then transition to oral regimen (group B) for an additional 2 to 4 weeks
Carbapenems can be used if patient is unstable
Piperacillin/tazobactam, 3.375 g IV every 6 hours plus aminoglycosides*Ertapenem, 1 g IV every 24 hoursIf patient is stable, follow primary regimen while awaiting culture results
or
Imipenem/cilastatin, 500 mg IV every 6 hours
Transurethral manipulation—Pseudomonas species
Piperacillin/tazobactam, 3.375 g IV every 6 hoursFluoroquinolone (group C)
oror
Ceftazidime, 2 g IV every 8 hoursImipenem/cilastatin, 500 mg IV every 6 hours
oror
Cefipime, 2 g IV every 12 hoursMeropenem, 500 mg IV every 8 hours
Fluoroquinolone exposure—fluoroquinolone resistance
Piperacillin/tazobactam, 3.375 g IV every 6 hoursCeftriaxone, 1 g IV every 24 hours
oror
Ceftazidime, 2 g IV every 8 hoursErtapenem, 1 g IV every 24 hours
or
Cefepime, 2 g IV every 12 hours

The duration of antibiotic therapy for mild infections is typically 10 to 14 days (with a two-week extension if the patient remains symptomatic), or four weeks for severe infections.9,26 Febrile patients should generally become afebrile within 36 hours of starting antibiotic therapy.27 Otherwise, imaging with transrectal ultrasonography, CT, or MRI is required to rule out prostatic abscess.27 After severe infections improve and the patient is afebrile, antibiotics should be transitioned to oral form and continued for another two to four weeks.5,28 Repeat urine cultures should be obtained one week after cessation of antibiotics to ensure bacterial clearance.12

Supportive measures include providing antipyretics, hydrating fluids, and pain control. Acute urinary retention occurs in approximately one in 10 patients with acute bacterial prostatitis. Relieving urinary obstruction is an important treatment consideration in clearing the infection and providing pain relief.6 However, the best approach to this intervention has not been determined. Cystostomy provides good relief and may prevent chronic infection, but urethral catheterization is an easier option for relieving obstruction.29

Complications

Prostatic abscesses occur in 2.7% of patients with acute bacterial prostatitis and require urology consultation for drainage.6 Risk factors for prostatic abscess include long-term urinary catheterization, recent urethral manipulation, and an immunocompromised state.

Approximately 13% of patients with acute bacterial prostatitis experience recurrence necessitating a longer course of antibiotics.6 Patients with persistent or recurrent symptoms should have a repeat urine culture to evaluate for repeat bacterial prostatitis and be treated based on culture results. After three months of persistent or recurrent symptoms, patients should be evaluated and treated based on chronic prostate syndrome guidelines.1 Approximately one in nine patients with acute bacterial prostatitis will develop chronic bacterial prostatitis or chronic pelvic pain syndrome.29

Prevention

Although there are no known strategies for preventing community-acquired acute bacterial prostatitis, nosocomial infections can be reduced by avoiding unnecessary manipulation of the prostate, such as transrectal biopsy or urethral catheterization. Administering antibiotics before transrectal prostate biopsies reduces postoperative complications such as urinary tract infections, acute prostatitis, bacteriuria, and bacteremia; new approaches to prevention are needed to reduce fluoroquinolone resistance and extended spectrum beta-lactamase–producing E. coli infections.13,14 A 500-mg oral dose of ciprofloxacin 12 hours before transrectal prostate biopsy with a repeat dose at the time of biopsy is the typical prophylactic regimen.25 Preoperative enemas do not reduce infection rates.24 In patients who are at increased risk of harboring fluoroquinolone-resistant bacteria, preoperative stool cultures may allow for tailoring of antibiotics at the time of the procedure.17,30

Data Sources: A PubMed search was completed in Clinical Queries using the keywords acute prostatitis, title words acute prostatitis, and prostatitis [MeSH] AND acute. The search included meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, clinical trials, and reviews. Also searched were the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality evidence reports, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, National Guideline Clearing-house, Essential Evidence Plus, and UpToDate. Search Dates: November 19, 2014, and October 20, 2015.

The opinions and assertions contained herein are the private views of the authors and are not to be construed as official or as reflecting the views of the U.S. Air Force Medical Department or the U.S. Air Force at large.

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