Human papillomavirus is thought to be an etiological factor for urological tumors such as penile cancer. However, there is much conflicting data surrounding prostatic cancer. We recently established a highly sensitive nested PCR method with consensus human papillomavirus (HPV) primers for the detection of many high-risk HPV types. HPV DNA from the long-control region (LCR) to E7 open reading frame was amplified with first primer pairs and subsequently amplified with second internal E6-E7 primers. Our nested PCR method could detect HPV16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 52, 58 and some undetermined HPV DNAs. Using this method, we investigated the existence of HPV DNA in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue of the prostate. We found HPV DNA in three of 71 specimens of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and in none of 38 prostatic carcinomas. These three samples were infected with HPV 16. These results suggest that HPV is not a causal factor for prostatic cancer and BPH.

Bacterial and crystal adherence to the surfaces of indwelling urethral catheters was investigated by scanning electron microscopy and immunofluorescence method in relation to microbiological examination. Gram-negative bacteria were isolated more frequently than gram-positive bacteria in urine and catheter cultures. Microorganisms and crystals frequently were associated with fibrillar material, some of which was considered to be fibrin. On the surfaces of catheters indwelling for more than 1 week bacteria often were embedded in an amorphous matrix. It was believed that the thick coherent matrix adherent to the catheter served as a protected reservoir of microorganisms that persisted despite antimicrobial chemotherapy. Additionally, urease-producing bacteria attached to the catheter could have an important role in the development of calculous incrustation.

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A 55-year-old woman who had undergone left nephrectomy 7 years prior because of pyonephrosis, suffered from refractory cystitis and was diagnosed with empyema of the left ureteral stump associated with ectopic ureter. Although removal of the stump is a popular treatment for this disease, transurethral fulguration of the stump lumen was performed in the patient described here. The procedure was technically easy and safe, resulting in the disappearance of the dilated stump and cessation of recurring cystitis.

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