High prevalence of human papillomavirus in prostate tissues

Specific human papillomavirus (HPV) types are associated with benign and malignant lesions of the anogenital region including the prostate gland. Using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of type-specific HPV sequences, we have assessed the prevalence of HPV DNA in prostate tissue from 88 individuals. Amplified sequences specific for HPV 16 were found in 34 of 56 benign prostatic hyperplasias and in 14 of 27 prostatic carcinomas. In contrast, HPV 18 was identified in only three benign hyperplasias and one carcinoma, all of which also contained HPV 16 DNA. Four of five normal prostates obtained at autopsy had no detectable HPV infection; one contained HPV 16 sequences. No significant difference in the prevalence of HPV DNA is observed between patients with benign disease and those with evidence of malignancy when fragments of surgical material are analyzed. Surgical method (transurethral resection or suprapubic prostatectomy) had no effect on the frequency of HPV detection. The prevalence of HPV DNA in the small number of normal prostates analyzed was not significantly different from that in the surgical samples. The presence of HPV in prostate tissues suggests a possible reservoir for sexual transmission of types with oncogenic potential. A role for the virus in the etiology of prostatic neoplasia remains to be demonstrated.