To assess the presence of Chlamydia trachomatis in nonacute abacterial prostatitis 30 patients with urethral cultures positive for Chlamydia trachomatis underwent microbiological studies, including cultures of transrectal aspiration biopsies of the prostate. Chlamydia trachomatis was isolated from 10 of the prostatic specimens (33 per cent). In 3 cases a nonspecific cytopathogenic effect caused the destruction of the tissue cultures. Our findings demonstrate that Chlamydia trachomatis may cause ascending infections of the prostate and that this microorganism may have an etiological role in the pathogenesis of nonacute abacterial prostatitis.

A case of non-familial multiple digitate hyperkeratosis is reported. Digitate hyperkeratosis is a new, non-follicular disorder of keratinization and three different types have been distinguished in the literature: the familial type, with an autosomal dominant trait; the sporadic type; and the post-inflammatory type.

A case of paracoccidioidomycosis, previously treated for tuberculosis for two years, is reported. Combined treatment with oral ketoconazole and sulfamethoxypyridazine was successful. The problem of a low index of suspicion among physicians for tropical mycoses, which are very rarely observed in Italy, is discussed.

The effects of prednisone, oral acyclovir, and radiotherapy were compared with placebo in the prevention of post-herpetic neuralgia. No treatment used was able to prevent, with statistical significance, post-herpetic neuralgia, although prednisone and acyclovir showed some pain reduction in the acute phase. Radiotherapy was of no value in either the acute or post-herpetic phase.

Tyrosinemia type II was suspected in a 13-month-old child with recurrent photophobia, tearing, and hyperkeratotic lesions on the palms and soles. Laboratory tests revealed high tyrosine levels in blood and urine. All the symptoms promptly improved after the institution of a low tyrosine diet. We emphasize the importance of an early diagnosis in order to avoid the risk of mental retardation in these patients.