Biofilms in chronic bacterial prostatitis (NIH-II) and in prostatic calcifications

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Microbiology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Prostatitis prevalence is rising, with chronic bacterial prostatitis (CBP) being common.
• Bacterial biofilms are implicated in the etiology of CBP.
• Prostatic calcifications frequently accompany prostatitis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To isolate biofilm-producing bacteria from CBP patients.
• To assess the in vitro biofilm production capacity of these bacteria.
• To characterize intraprostatic bacteria and calcifications using scanning electron microscopy.

Main Methods:

• Isolated 150 bacterial strains from CBP patients (Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus spp., Escherichia coli, gram-negative bacteria).
• Quantified biofilm production and adhesion using the Christensen microwell assay.
• Examined prostatic calcifications and bacteria with scanning electron microscopy.

Main Results:

• Most isolated strains (E. coli, gram-negative, Staphylococci, Enterococci) were moderate to strong biofilm producers.
• Scanning electron microscopy revealed bacteria-like forms within prostatic calcifications, consistent with isolated species.
• This study demonstrates the consistent presence of biofilm-producing bacteria in CBP.

Conclusions:

• Bacterial strains capable of forming biofilms are consistently found in chronic bacterial prostatitis.
• Prostatic calcifications are associated with bacterial biofilms.
• Findings provide novel understanding of CBP pathogenesis and biofilm involvement.