ABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to assess the pathogenic role of Chlamydia trachomatis in chronic abacterial prostatitis by in situ polymerase chain reaction [PCR] using transrectal ultrasonic guided biopsy. Thirty-five patients with chronic prostatitis and five age-matched patients suffering from lower obstructive urinary symptoms served as controls were included in the study. In situ PCR detected Chlamydia trachomatis DNA in six out of five cases of chronic abacterial prostatitis and in none of the control group. Chlamydia trachomatis DNA was found in chronic inflammatory cells of all the six positive cases and in prostatic epithelial cells in only one patient. The results supported the hypothesis that Chlamydia trachomatis has an etiological role in chronic prostatitis patients