Human papilloma virus, HPV (PCR)

Swab, 1st morning urine or ejaculate

Papillomaviruses belong to the Papovaviridae group (DNA viruses). Today, more than 100 different human types are known. The incubation period of the virus is one to eight months.
HPV infections of the genital tract most frequently become clinically manifest in the age group of 20 to 30 years; the infestation probably amounts to more than 10 percent.
Infections with papillomaviruses lead to the occurrence of warts of the skin (verrucae vulgaris), genital infection and laryngeal papillomas.

There is an association of specific HPV infections and carcinomas of the cervix, vulva and penis. HPV DNA (high risk) was isolated in 50 per cent of these carcinomas and in some cases HPV DNA (low risk) was also isolated. 15 percent of these tumours contain DNA sequences that cross-react with papillomaviruses. These are probably as yet unidentified papillomaviruses. In bowenoid papulosis, HPV DNA can be detected in 80 per cent.

The following HPV genotypes are determined:
High-risk: 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66, 68
Low/Undetermined-risk: 6, 11, 40, 42, 43, 44, 54, 61, 70 / 26, 53, 69, 73, 82