Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention 17, 810, April 1, 2008

Schematic representation of the HPV genome, highlighting the regions important in PCR-based HPV analysis. L1 region, consensus PCRs, such as SPF, GP5+/6+, and MY09/11, target different conserved regions of the HPV L1 gene, amplifying several genital HPV types in one reaction. Amplicons can be analyzed to discriminate between HPV types by hybridization with type-specific probes or DNA sequencing. E6/E7 region, type-specific PCR assays target specific sequences of viral early genes, usually E6 and E7, and exclusively amplify a single HPV genotype. Application of HPV type–specific PCRs allows immediate discrimination between different HPV types. Quantitative PCR allows simultaneous assessment of HPV presence, genotype, and viral load. E1/E2 region, quantification of the E2 gene allows determination of the HPV integration status.