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Updated: Oct 5, 2025

Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus MRSA
Published on: February 9, 2011
Pediatric Prostatic Abscess Caused by Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Atef A Rashed1, Moath H Albarakati2, Ola G Fintyana3
1General Pediatric, Pediatric Department, Maternity and Children's Hospital, Makkah, SAU.
Abstract:
While prostatic abscesses infrequently occur in adults, they are extremely rare in children. We present a rare case of a prostatic abscess in a 13-year-old male patient caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The patient had no significant past history and presented to our clinic reporting a two-week history of lower abdominal pain, foul-smelling urethral discharge, a burning sensation during urination with pain in the tip of his penis, and itchiness around the anus. On examination, we noted lower abdominal tenderness, and on per rectal examination, we noted tenderness in the anterior wall of the rectum. A culture from the urethral discharge was positive for MRSA. The patient was diagnosed with a prostatic abscess and was started on antibiotics. We performed ultrasound-guided transrectal drainage, and afterward, the patient's condition improved. He was doing well on the last follow-up. This case reminds physicians to consider prostatic abscesses in patients with lower urinary tract infections that do not respond to antibiotics.
Insights
A rare prostatic abscess in a 13-year-old boy caused by MRSA was successfully treated with antibiotics and drainage. This case highlights the importance of considering prostatic abscesses in pediatric patients with persistent urinary tract infection symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Urology
- Infectious Diseases
- Medical Case Reports
Background:
- Prostatic abscesses are uncommon in adults and exceedingly rare in pediatric patients.
- This report details a unique case in a 13-year-old male.
Observation:
- The patient presented with a two-week history of lower abdominal pain, dysuria, and purulent urethral discharge.
- Physical examination revealed lower abdominal tenderness and rectal tenderness.
- Urethral discharge culture identified methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
Findings:
- The diagnosis was a prostatic abscess attributed to MRSA infection.
- Treatment involved a course of antibiotics and ultrasound-guided transrectal drainage.
- The patient experienced significant clinical improvement post-intervention.
Implications:
- This case underscores the need for clinicians to suspect prostatic abscesses in pediatric patients with refractory lower urinary tract symptoms.
- Early diagnosis and appropriate management, including drainage, are crucial for favorable outcomes.
- Highlights MRSA as a potential pathogen in pediatric prostatic abscesses.
Related Concept Videos
Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management
Urinary Tract Infection III: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
Urinary Tract Infection II: Pathophysiology
Acute Pyelonephritis I: Introduction

