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Updated: Jul 7, 2026

Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
Published on: February 9, 2011
Prostatic abscess due to community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
J Rush Pierce1, Qaiser Saeed, William R Davis
1Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, Texas 79106, USA. rush.pierce@ttuhsc.edu
This case study details a rare prostatic abscess caused by community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in a diabetic man. Treatment involved percutaneous drainage and vancomycin, leading to a successful recovery.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Urology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Prostatic abscesses are typically caused by Gram-negative bacteria.
- Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) commonly causes skin and soft tissue infections.
Observation:
- A previously healthy diabetic male presented with symptoms including dysuria, fatigue, weight loss, and a tender prostate with leukocytosis.
- Imaging revealed a large prostatic abscess.
- MRSA was identified in blood, urine, and abscess aspirate cultures.
Findings:
- This is the second reported case of a prostatic abscess attributed to community-acquired MRSA.
- Percutaneous drainage of the abscess combined with intravenous vancomycin therapy resulted in the patient's cure.
Implications:
- Community-acquired MRSA should be considered as a potential pathogen in prostatic abscesses, even in previously healthy individuals.
- Effective treatment relies on abscess drainage (percutaneous or transurethral) and targeted antibiotic therapy guided by culture results.
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