The prostate gland is about the size of a walnut, and is positioned below the bladder and behind the urethra. It produces the majority of the seminal fluid, which acts as the carrier for sperm during ejaculation. Prostatitis, or prostate inflammation, is common in men older than 40. MayoClinic.com says 5 percent to 10 percent of prostatitis cases are confirmed as bacterial infections. There are different causes of prostate gland infections, although because of its location, most are related to the genitourinary system.
Acute Bacterial Prostatitis
According to the book "Professional Guide to Diseases," about 80 percent of bacterial prostate infections are caused by Escherichia coli, commonly found in the large intestine. Other bacterial species that infect the prostate are Klebsiella, Enterobacter, Proteus, Pseudomonas, Streptococcus and Staphylococcus aureus.
These micro-organisms usually spread to the prostate gland from the bloodstream, which means food poisoning or an infection from another organ can infect the prostate. The most likely infections to spread to the prostate are bladder, kidney and ascending urethral infections, as cited in "Genitourinary Pathology." The prostate can also be invaded by rectal bacteria via the lymphatic fluid, from reflux of infected bladder urine, or by bacteria transferred from a sexual partner. Anal sex carries more risk of prostatitis. Rarely, medical procedures such as cystoscopy and catheterization can cause prostate infections.
Acute bacteria prostatitis usually produces glandular pain, fever, chills and problems with urination. Rectal exams usually show swollen and boggy prostate glands, consistent with acute inflammation. White blood cells and bacteria are usually found with urinalysis.
Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis
Chronic bacterial infections of the prostate gland are initiated by the same species of bacteria, but their causes and persistence are not always well understood. Chronic infections can certainly develop from acute bacterial prostatitis if some bacteria manage to evade the host's immune system or use of antibiotics. Thus, those with weaker immune systems have higher risks of chronic bacterial prostatitis, as noted by MayoClinic.com. Another potential cause of chronic prostatitis is re-occurring injuries to the pelvic perineum due to excessive bike riding or horseback riding.
Symptoms of chronic bacterial prostatitis are similar to those of acute prostatitis, but are not as severe and usually flare up in cyclical episodes, according to MedlinePlus. Sometimes urinalysis will detect white blood cells or bacteria, but often the prostate has to be milked for fluid, which is then cultured.
Nonbacterial Prostatitis
Infections of the prostate can occur from a nonbacterial origin, although they are the least common type of prostatitis. They are listed as nonbacterial because none of the common lab tests show positive findings, which look almost exclusively for bacterial origins and typical immune system responses. According to the Prostatitis Foundation, Candida yeast is a likely infectious agent that could cause nonbacterial prostate infections. Interstitial cystitis, an infection of the bladder or urinary tract, is assumed to be one of the factors for nonbacterial prostatitis.
"Professional Guide to Diseases" notes that symptoms such as pelvic pain, pain with urination or ejaculation, and urination issues must be present for at least three months and be combined with negative urine and blood tests to be classified as non-bacterial prostate infections.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Prostatitis
- "Professional Guide to Diseases--8th Edition"; Springhouse; 2008
- "Genitourinary Pathology--A Volume in Foundations in Diagnostic Pathology Series"; Ming Zhou, M.D., Ph.D. et al; 2006
- MedlinePlus: Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis
- The Prostatitis Foundation: Prostatitis and Candida Albicans
