Viral examinations in malignant tumours of the urogenital system

Various tumours of the urogenital system were investigated to elucidate the virus-tumour link. Out of 105 tumours, virus antigens were found in 57 cases by the immunofluorescent method--mainly with serum raised against oncogenic adenovirus type 12. Virus antigens were also present in peripheral lymphocytes of several patients. Occasionally, adeno-, herpes- and C-type virus particles were revealed electron microscopically. Antiviral antibodies were often shown in the patient' sera and in higher titres especially against adenovirus type 12 early non-virion antigens. Herpesvirus antigens were found in 6 cases of 40 controls with hypertrophy of the prostate, and in 2 cases of 15 non-tumorous specimens.