Can you get E. coli from prostate biopsy?

It is very rare, but yes, it is possible to get E. coli from a prostate biopsy. Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a type of bacteria that commonly lives in the gut of healthy humans. While it is not typically harmful, it can cause infections if it enters other parts of the body, such as the urinary tract or the prostate gland.

During a prostate biopsy, a thin needle is inserted into the prostate gland to collect tissue samples for examination. If the needle is not properly sterilized or if the skin around the injection site is not properly cleaned, E. coli bacteria can be introduced into the prostate gland, leading to an infection.

Symptoms of E. coli prostatitis can include:

- Difficulty urinating

- Pain or burning sensation during urination

- Frequent urge to urinate

- Cloudy or foul-smelling urine

- Fever and chills

- Body aches

- Fatigue

If you experience any of these symptoms after a prostate biopsy, it's important to see your doctor right away so that the infection can be treated. Treatment typically involves antibiotics and pain relievers. In most cases, E. coli prostatitis can be successfully treated with antibiotics, and the infection does not cause any lasting damage to the prostate gland.