What finding is consistent with acute bacterial prostatitis?

The presence of a tender prostate gland is a hallmark finding in cases of acute bacterial prostatitis. During an examination, palpation of the prostate may reveal that it is swollen, warm, and especially sensitive to touch, which underscores the inflammatory process occurring due to the infection. This tenderness can be a key indicator for healthcare providers when assessing a patient with symptoms suggestive of prostatitis.

In contrast, other clinical signs may either not consistently present or suggest different conditions. For instance, while painful urination can be associated with prostatitis, it is not exclusive to this condition and can occur in a variety of urinary tract infections. Additionally, the absence of fever is atypical in acute bacterial infections, where fever is often a common systemic response to infection. Enlarged lymph nodes may not typically be found in the immediate context of prostatitis and could indicate another underlying condition. Thus, the tenderness of the prostate gland stands out as a specific and consistent finding in the diagnosis of acute bacterial prostatitis.