Chronic Prostatitis and Causative Organisms

Abstract

Background: Chronic prostatitis is a frequently encountered urological condition with a heterogeneous etiology. While gram-negative bacteria remain the predominant causative agents, atypical and sexually transmitted organisms contribute significantly to disease burden, particularly in sexually active men.

Objective: To identify the spectrum of causative organisms in patients diagnosed with chronic bacterial prostatitis using conventional culture and nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT).

Materials and Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted between March 2023 and November 2025 at a tertiary care hospital. Men aged 20–50 years presenting with recurrent urinary tract infection and genitourinary symptoms suggestive of chronic prostatitis were included. Patients with acute prostatitis or without identifiable organisms were excluded. All patients underwent detailed clinical evaluation, urine culture, expressed prostatic secretion analysis, and NAAT for sexually transmitted pathogens when indicated.

Results: A total of 146 patients were diagnosed with chronic bacterial prostatitis. Escherichia coli was the most common organism isolated on conventional culture (41%). NAAT identified atypical and sexually transmitted organisms in 10.9% of cases, predominantly Chlamydia trachomatis. Patients with multiple sexual partners showed a higher prevalence of atypical organisms.

Conclusion: Chronic prostatitis has a diverse microbiological profile. Along with conventional urine culture, NAAT improves detection of atypical and sexually transmitted pathogens and should be incorporated into diagnostic protocols for appropriate management.