Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is a DNA virus affecting mainly cutaneous and anogenital tissues making it the most common sexually transmitted infection. It is estimated worldwide that up to 15% of women aged 20 to 30 years and up to 6% of women over 40 carry the virus. Very rarely, a pregnant woman with genital HPV can pass HPV to her baby during vaginal delivery, resulting in recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP). In some cases, HPV infection can give rise to neoplastic transformations and carcinomas in the cervix, vagina and vulva.

HPV Genotyping test is designed for the identification of 28 different genotypes of the human Papilloma virus (HPV) by detection of specific sequences in the L1 region of the HPV genome.

The HPV genotyping assay covers all currently known genotypes:

1. high-risk HPV genotypes and probable high-risk HPV genotypes (16, 18, 26, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 53, 56, 58, 59, 66, 68, 73, 82)
2. low-risk HPV genotypes (6, 11, 40, 43, 44, 54, 70)
3. Additional types (69, 71, 74)

However, cross-reactions with other genotypes may occur.  Results should be correlated with cytologic/histologic findings.  Sensitivity may be affected by cellularity of specimen. A negative result does not rule out the presence of an HPV genotype absent from the test panel, a low level infection, or specimen sampling error.

A vaccine  can now protect females from the four types of HPV that cause most cervical cancers and genital warts. The vaccine is recommended for girls and women age 11 through 26 who have not yet been vaccinated or completed the vaccine series.

HPV Genotyping by PCR is performed at biolab Molecular Genetics Department as per the Clinical Molecular Genetics Society (CMGS) Best Practice Guidelines.