An Interesting Case of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Prostate Abscess in an Immunocompetent Patient

Cureus. 2023 Aug 8;15(8):e43131. doi: 10.7759/cureus.43131. eCollection 2023 Aug.

Abstract

Prostate abscess is a rare complication of prostatitis, typically observed in patients with conditions such as immunodeficiency, diabetes, urinary tract abnormalities, and chronic indwelling catheters. Gram-negative bacteria such as Enterobacteriaceae are the most commonly detected organisms in prostate abscesses. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections are rarely reported. The unique aspect of our case involves MRSA bacteria, further complicated by an MRSA prostate abscess, in a 61-year-old immunocompetent male. The patient, with a past medical history of hypertension and diabetes, presented to the emergency department complaining of nausea and vomiting for four days, with an associated subjective fever and right-sided abdominal pain. A computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen/pelvis with contrast showed a prostatic abscess, with abscess/phlegmon extending bilaterally into the seminal vesicles. Urine and blood cultures were positive for MRSA. Initially, Piperacillin/Tazobactam and Vancomycin were initiated. Subsequently, the treatment was switched to Daptomycin. The patient also underwent cystoscopy with urethral dilation, transurethral prostate resection, and unroofing. Although MRSA is not a typical causative agent of prostatitis, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis, especially when clinical improvement cannot be achieved with standard empirical treatment. Timely identification and appropriate treatment (such as drainage and antibiotics) are crucial for both patient survival and the prevention of complications.

Keywords: bacteremia; mrsa; prostate abscess; prostatitis; staph aureus.

Publication types

  • Case Reports