Bioinformatic strategies in metagenomics of chronic prostatitis

Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) is a prevalent urological condition in young men, significantly affecting quality of life due to persistent discomfort and neuropsychological symptoms. Despite its high prevalence, the etiology of CP/CPPS remains poorly understood. This study investigated urinary microbiota differences between CP/CPPS patients and healthy controls to identify microbial contributors, antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), and virulence factors of dominant bacteria, as well as to explore potential therapeutic targets.

Urine samples were collected from 58 CP/CPPS patients and 25 controls. Symptom severity was assessed by a specialist urologist using the NIH Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index and UPOINT classification. Bacterial-specific 16 S rRNA sequencing was performed using nanopore technology, with bioinformatics analyses conducted via ONT guppy 5.0.11, NCBI and SLV 16 S bacterial taxonomic databases, UPGMA hierarchical clustering, and the Bacterial and Viral Bioinformatics Resource Center (BV-BRC). Pairwise comparisons were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test.

Distinct microbial diversity patterns were observed between patients and controls. Bacillus species were significantly enriched in CP/CPPS patients, while Enterococcus species predominated in controls. Younger patients exhibited unique microbiome profiles compared to older groups. Bioinformatics analyses identified ARGs and virulence factors associated with Bacillus species, implicating them in localized inflammation. Antibiotics like pleuromutilin or vancomycin were identified as potential therapeutic options, though experimental validation was beyond the study's scope.

These findings highlight microbial imbalances and provide a foundation for microbiome-targeted therapeutic strategies for CP/CPPS management in the future. Additionally, the identification of bacterial virulence factors and ARG provides insights into the potential mechanisms driving persistent symptoms. Future research with larger cohorts and experimental validation of the suggested therapeutic options may contribute to more effective treatment for CP/CPPS.