Theories of prostatitis etiology.
Prostatitis reflects a broad spectrum of prostatic infections, both acute and chronic. Chronic prostatitis, known as National Institutes of Health category III or chronic pelvic pain syndrome, broadly defines a disease that is still poorly understood, and as a consequence, difficult to treat. Typical symptoms include pelvic pain and voiding dysfunction. Infection is often cited as the cause of this condition, despite frequent negative cultures. A close look at the local prostatic microenvironment may yield clues. The role of inflammatory mediators and what stimulates them can point to potential sites of prevention. A genetic link or relationship to other diseases may prove to be part of the cause. Furthermore, a neurologic source, whether anatomic or psychologic, has been strongly debated. Ultimately, it may become clear that chronic prostatitis represents the final common result of a disease that originates from a cascade of multiple stimuli.
Karlovsky
Matthew E
ME
Department of Urology, Temple University Hospital, 3401 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA. karlovsky@rcn.com
Pontari
Michel A
MA
D000818:Animals; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000150:complications; D001424:Bacterial Infections; D002908:Chronic Disease; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000150:complications; D008297:Male; D017699:Pelvic Pain / Q000209:etiology*; D011472:Prostatitis / Q000209:etiology*; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D013001:Somatoform Disorders / Q000150:complications