What is the recommended duration of therapy for acute bacterial prostatitis with antibiotics in otherwise healthy adults?

• A. 3–5 days
• B. 4–6 weeks
• C. 7–10 days
• D. 2 months

Answer: (B)

In acute bacterial prostatitis, the infection sits in prostatic tissue where antibiotic penetration is limited and inflammation can impede drug delivery. Because of this, a longer course is needed to fully eradicate the bacteria and prevent relapse or progression to chronic prostatitis. A total duration of four to six weeks provides enough time for the antibiotic to reach therapeutic levels within the gland and to clear the infection, even as prostatic inflammation and edema evolve. Short courses of only a few days or weeks are typically inadequate and carry a higher risk of persistent infection, while extending beyond six weeks offers little added benefit for otherwise healthy adults and increases exposure to drug-related risks. In practice, initial IV therapy may be used for more severe cases or sepsis, then transition to oral therapy with good prostatic penetration to complete a four-to-six-week total course.