The etiology and treatment of infective prostatitis

Prostatitis is a common disorder which remains poorly understood. The causes of nonbacterial prostatitis and prostadynia are unclear, but new molecular methods show promise in uncovering some infectious agents. Bacterial prostatitis constitutes 5 to 10% of the total cases of prostatitis, but causative organisms are well-delineated. Unfortunately the high initial therapeutic success rates using antibiotics directed against these susceptible organisms are too often associated with high relapse rates. Quinolones, such as ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, and trovafloxain, are the agents of choice for antibacterial therapy of prostatitis. More information is needed concerning the antibiotic levels and activity in infected prostatic tissue and secretions, optimum duration of therapy, and benefit of long-term suppressive therapy.