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HPV Genotyping (Real-Time PCR) – An Important Step in Cervical Cancer Prevention

HPV Genotyping (Real-Time PCR) – An Important Step in Cervical Cancer Prevention

Human Papillomavirus is one of the most common viral infections of the reproductive system and the main cause of cervical cancer. It affects the skin and mucous membranes of the genital area and is most commonly transmitted through intimate contact.

Most types of HPV do not show pronounced symptoms, so they are often detected only through HPV testing, colposcopy, or a Pap test. It is especially important to emphasize that high-risk HPV types usually do not cause symptoms, which is why regular gynecological examinations play a key role in preventing cervical cancer.

At Poliklinika Natal, modern and reliable HPV genotyping using the Real-Time PCR method is available, enabling precise detection of the virus’s presence and genotype determination.

What is HPV Genotyping?

HPV genotyping is a laboratory analysis that determines:

  • whether the HPV virus is present in the genital area
  • which genotype of the virus is present
  • whether it belongs to a low-risk or high-risk group

This analysis is important because not all HPV types carry the same risk.

How is HPV transmitted?

HPV is most commonly transmitted through:

  • sexual intercourse
  • oral contact
  • direct skin-to-mucous membrane contact in the intimate area

Infection is possible even when there are no visible symptoms in the partner.

Advantages of the Real-Time PCR Method

Modern Real-Time PCR diagnostics enable:

  • high sensitivity and accuracy (no false negative or false positive results)
  • early detection of infection
  • analysis from a single gynecological swab
  • fast results
  • reliable identification of the virus genotype

HPV Panels Available at Poliklinika Natal

HPV-quant-21

The panel includes 21 HPV genotypes:

(6, 11, 44, 16, 18, 26, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 53, 56, 58, 59, 66, 68, 73, 82)

HPV-quant-15

The panel includes 15 genotypes:

(6, 11, 16, 31, 33, 35, 52, 58, 18, 39, 45, 59, 56, 51, 68)

HPV-quant-4

The panel includes 4 genotypes:

(6, 11, 16, 18)

Classification of HPV Types by Risk

High-Risk (Oncogenic) Types

Associated with a higher risk of developing pre-malignant changes and cervical cancer:

(16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 68)

Higher-Risk Types

Certain genotypes require additional monitoring in accordance with the clinical picture and gynecologist’s recommendation:

(26, 53, 66)

Low-Risk HPV Types

Most commonly associated with the appearance of genital warts (condylomas) and benign changes:

(6, 11, 40, 42, 43, 44, 54, 61, 70, 81)

The majority of cervical cancer cases are associated with high-risk HPV types, especially types 16 and 18.

When is HPV testing recommended?

HPV genotyping is most commonly recommended:

  • in case of an abnormal Pap test
  • in case of changes on the cervix
  • after HPV infection therapy
  • in case of frequent infections
  • as part of regular preventive examinations
  • upon gynecologist’s recommendation

Why is early diagnosis important?

HPV infection often shows no symptoms. Therefore, regular gynecological examinations, Pap tests, and HPV testing play a crucial role in the early detection of changes and timely treatment.

Schedule HPV Genotyping

At Poliklinika Natal, you can undergo HPV genotyping using the Real-Time PCR method. Schedule your test and inquire about available panels.

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