We investigated the presence of human papillomavirus-related DNA sequences (HPV 6, 11, 16 and 18) in 33 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded biopsies from the urinary tract of female patients with recurrent and persistent urethritis and cystitis, using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The samples for PCR reaction were selected among tissues examined for histological diagnosis on the basis of the presence of microscopic changes consistent with HPV infection. Sequences homologous to HPV 6, 11 and 18 genome were not found, while HPV 16-related DNA sequences were identified in 25/33 lesions with histopathological diagnosis of metaplasia (1 from the urethra, 23 from the trigone and 1 from the bladder). The results suggest that the spread of HPV in the female urinary tract may not be uncommon and point to the need for further research on the possible pathogenic role in recurrent female disturbances.