Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections are associated with benign and malignant lesions of cutaneous and mucosal epithelia. So far, more than 100 different HPV genotypes have been identified and approximately 40 have been detected in the anogenital area. Some genotypes (e.g. HPV 16 and 18) have been defined as 'high risk' genotypes, implying a comparatively high risk for invasive disease. In contrast, other genotypes (e.g., HPV 6 and 11) are considered as 'low risk' genotypes, since they are associated with a relatively low risk for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) progression and the development of cervical cancer. Since HPV can not be efficiently cultured and the clinical performance of serological assays is poor, diagnosis of HPV infection is almost entirely based on molecular tools.
Highly sensitive detection of HPV DNA (broad range of genotypes)
- Based on a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using general (SPF10 or, on request, MY09/11, GP5+/6+, PGMY) or type-specific primer sets
- Targeting the L1 region (general primer sets) or other regions of the HPV genome
- Simultaneous identification of genotypes 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 34, 35, 39, 40, 42, 43, 44, 45, 51,52, 53, 54, 56, 58, 59, 66, 68, 70, and 74
- Based on PCR using the general primer set SPF10 followed by a reverse hybridization line probe assay (LiPA)
- Targeting the L1 region
- Additional genotypes can be identified by sequencing analysis of the same PCR product
Molecular Pathology
- Using formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded biopsy specimens
- Preparation of sections from biopsy blocks
- Staining and examination by highly experienced pathologists
- Molecular testing on complete or partial sections
- Laser-capture microdissection based molecular analysis
Samples
- Cervical scrapes, (archived)
- cervical smears,
- Thin-Preps (samples in PreservCyt medium; 4°C),
- freshly frozen biopsies (-70°C),
- Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded biopsy specimens.
