A Rare Case of a Prostatic Abscess Secondary to a Mycoplasma hominis Infection

Abstract

Mycoplasma hominis is one of the pathogenic organisms that may cause prostatitis with the development of a prostatic abscess in very rare cases. A 57-year-old man presented with lower urinary tract symptoms and low-grade fever. The transabdominal ultrasonography showed prostate enlargement suggesting acute prostatitis. The patient was started on empiric antibacterial therapy with fluoroquinolones. The urine and semen cultures showed no bacterial growth. A few days later, the patient presented again with symptoms progression and acute urinary retention. The transrectal ultrasound revealed diffuse calcifications and intraprostatic fluids. The computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis showed a large abscess in the prostate with a periprostatic inflammatory reaction. While all bacterial cultures were negative, the multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test revealed a Mycoplasma hominis infection. The patient was managed with transurethral drainage. After six months of follow-up, the patient was free of symptoms and the repeat PCR study confirmed clearance of the Mycoplasma infection.