Eradication of Enterococcus faecalis by phage therapy in chronic bacterial prostatitis--case report

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Urology

Background:

• Chronic bacterial prostatitis is challenging to treat, often requiring long-term antibiotic courses.
• Previous treatments including antibiotics, autovaccines, and laser therapy were ineffective for these patients.
• Patients had persistent infections caused by Enterococcus faecalis.

Observation:

• Three patients with chronic bacterial prostatitis underwent an experimental phage therapy protocol.
• Phage lysates specifically targeting Enterococcus faecalis were administered rectally.
• Treatment was managed at the Phage Therapy Unit in Wrocław.

Findings:

• Rectal phage therapy demonstrated encouraging results in bacterial eradication.
• Clinical symptoms of prostatitis significantly abated following treatment.
• No early disease recurrence was observed in the treated patients.

Implications:

• Phage therapy presents a viable alternative for antibiotic-resistant bacterial prostatitis.
• This approach may offer a solution for patients with recurrent or refractory prostatitis.
• Further research into phage therapy for urological infections is warranted.