[Improved sample collection methods and bacteriologic localization patterns for male genital tract infection]

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Male genital tract infections, particularly chronic prostatitis, present diagnostic challenges.
• Current sample collection methods may not accurately localize pathogens, leading to misdiagnosis and ineffective treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To enhance sample collection techniques for male genital tract infections.
• To establish reliable bacteriologic localization patterns in prostatitis.
• To investigate the impact of specimen collection and pathogen isolation on diagnosis and treatment.

Main Methods:

• Collected initial urine, mid-stream urine, expressed prostatic secretions (ESP), and semen from 200 males with prostatitis-like symptoms.
• Quantitatively cultured samples to isolate and identify microorganisms.
• Evaluated laboratory diagnostic significance based on colony counts and isolate distribution.

Main Results:

• Isolated 468 microbial strains, predominantly bacteria (88.5%), fungi (2.6%), mycoplasma (8.5%), and chlamydia (0.4%).
• Pathogens detected in ESP (33.0%), semen (17.0%), and both (50.0%).
• Multiple microbial and multi-organ infections were frequently observed.

Conclusions:

• Multiple microbial infection (MMI) and multi-organ infection (MOI) are common in prostatitis, often causing missed or incorrect diagnoses.
• Improved sample collection and bacteriologic localization are crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective antimicrobial therapy in prostatitis.