Inoculation of Sphingobacterium multivorum in the prostate by prostate biopsy

Abstract

This report describes three cases of infection with Sphingobacterium multivorum after transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy. The pathogen is ubiquitous in water and soil but has been described fewer than 10 times causing infections in humans. An infection hygiene evaluation identified and changed a step in the biopsy process in order to reduce the risk of inoculating the patient with environmental microorganisms.

Key Words::

• adverse event
• prostate biopsy
• prostate cancer
• sepsis
• Sphingobacterium multivorum

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.