Absence of Bacterial and Viral Dna in Bladder Biopsies From Patients With Interstitial Cystitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome

PURPOSE: We examined bladder biopsies from women with interstitial cystitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (IC/CPPS) for the presence of bacterial and viral DNA sequences using polymerase chain reaction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bladder biopsies were taken during cystoscopy from patients under investigation for IC/CPPS, or controls undergoing colposuspension for stress incontinence. Biopsies were snap frozen to -70C. After DNA extraction, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using specific primers for the hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyl transferase gene confirmed the presence of human DNA. PCR for bacterial and viral gene sequences was performed using specific primers. Positive reactions were repeated to confirm the signal. RESULTS: A total of 92 patients with IC/CPPS (12 who met the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases criteria and 80 who did not) and 91 controls were recruited. PCR for hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyl transferase gene was positive in all samples. PCR for the 16S ribosomal RNA gene, as well as for adenovirus, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus types I and II, human papillomavirus (all subtypes) and Chlamydia trachomatis were negative in all samples. CONCLUSIONS: IC/CPPS is not associated with persistence of viral and bacterial DNA in the bladder. A chronic infective etiology for the condition is excluded by these findings.