Septic shock secondary to acute bacterial prostatitis in an HIV-positive male: a novel presentation

Acute bacterial prostatitis, an acute infection of the prostate gland, results in lower abdominal pain, flank pain, urinary symptoms and the potential for systemic symptoms like fever and shock. With a high mortality rate if left untreated, acute bacterial prostatitis becomes a true urological emergency, which if allowed to progress, may result in bacteremia, severe sepsis/septic shock and death. Diagnosis is mainly clinical with a detailed history and physical and laboratory evaluation to include a urinalysis. However, imaging may be necessary to exclude other pathology. We present the case of a 44-year-old male with a history of well-controlled HIV that used a prostate vibrator for 1-week prior to his presentation to the ED. He was subsequently diagnosed with septic shock secondary to acute bacterial prostatitis and required ICU management.