Work

Prostate tissue microbiota dysbiosis associated with prostate cancer: results from the MICROPROSTK multicenter study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background: The prostate is a poorly characterized microbial niche. Bacterial communities may contribute to prostate carcinogenesis through chronic inflammation. We aimed to describe the prostate microbiota at species level and identify bacteria associated with prostate cancer (PCa). Methods: MICROPROSTK is a prospective, multicenter study including 235 men undergoing initial prostate biopsy (122 PCa, 113 non-PCa). Urine, prostate tissue, and rectal swabs were collected. Full-length 16S rDNA sequencing was used for species-level identification. Comparative microbiota analyses were performed in 141 patients with complete datasets. Species richness, α-diversity, β-diversity, and differential abundance of taxa were assessed. Results: was enriched in non-PCa patients. Conclusions: Our multicenter study shows that the prostate harbors a specific microbiota with cancer-associated dysbiosis. The identification of specific bacterial species supports a potential role for pathobionts in PCa and highlights candidate microbial biomarkers. These findings expand current knowledge of human-associated microbial niches and warrant further investigation into their clinical and pathogenic significance.

Source: New Microbes and New Infections

DOI: 10.1016/j.nmni.2026.101862