Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the world. There are over 150 identified types of HPV, and only a small number of types (i.e. 14 high-risk HPV strains) cause problems by changing cells from normal to abnormal, and potentially lead to cervical cancer. HPV screening is an important tool for preventing cervical cancer by detecting the virus early, when it can be treated more easily.
HPV screening is typically done using a Pap test or an HPV test. A Pap test looks for abnormal cells in the cervix, while an HPV test looks for the presence of HPV DNA. If an HPV test comes back positive, it means that the person has HPV. However, not all types of HPV cause cancer, so the next step is to do HPV genotyping.
HPV genotyping is a test that can identify the specific type of HPV that a person has. This information can be used to help guide treatment decisions. For example, people who have HPV 16 or 18, the two types of HPV that are most closely linked to cervical cancer, may need more frequent follow-up than people who have other types of HPV.
HPV vaccination strategies are changing the HPV type-specific prevalences in the women population: a different genotypes distribution and prevalence will be registered over the next years.
In addition to helping to guide treatment decisions, HPV genotyping can also help to reduce anxiety for women who have a positive HPV test. Knowing the specific type of HPV that they have can help women to understand their risk of developing cervical cancer and make informed decisions about their care.
In the last years, the importance of HPV genotyping has been part of scientific studies and publications. The need of genotyping in screening strategies is still being discussed among experts and institutions. A recent article from a research team at the “Center for Cervical Cancer Elimination, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology” and the “Center for Cervical Cancer Elimination, ME pathology and cancer diagnostics, Karolinska University Hospital” in Stockholm (Sweden), highlights the need for accelerating HPV genotyping in screening strategies. It can be expected the way we screen for HPV will be undergoing significant transformations soon. This includes the rise of self-administered tests for increased accessibility, the development of automated triage tests to improve accuracy and efficiency, and adjustments in screening protocols for women who have received the HPV vaccine.
Ulisse Biomed was born around disruptive HPV genotyping technologies. Indeed, “Sagitta™ proprietary technology drives its capability into deep multiplexing HPV genotyping” says Rudy Ippodrino, CSO and CO-Founder at Ulisse Biomed.
“Ulisse Biomed HPV DNA test is able to screen and genotype up to 30 different HPV strains, as one of the most complete certified HPV DNA test on market” adds Nicola Basile, CEO at Ulisse Biomed. “Ulisse Biomed, leveraging its solutions, is committed and ready to further support laboratories, clinics, hospitals and institutions for the upcoming HPV testing strategies and activities” concludes Basile.
Contact an Ulisse Biomed expert to move beyond your current diagnostic capabilities.