Detection and typing of human papillomaviruses present in fixed and stained archival cervical smears by a consensus polymerase chain reaction and direct sequence analysis allow the identification of a broad spectrum of human papillomavirus types

Authors:
  • LTLinda M. Tieben
    Linda M. Tieben
  • STSteven P. Tjong-A-Hung
    Steven P. Tjong-A-Hung
  • MJMaarten F. Jebbink
    Maarten F. Jebbink
  • RMRene P. Minnaar
    Rene P. Minnaar
  • CJCasper L. Jansen
    Casper L. Jansen
  • JSJan ter Schegget
    Jan ter Schegget

Abstract
DNA well suited for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification was purified from archival Papanicolaou smears. The detection of a wide range of human papillomavirus (HPV) types was made possible using a HPV-specific consensus primer pair, and typing was conveniently done by direct sequence analysis of the PCR product. The method could be of unique value in longitudinal and cross-sectional studies aimed at answering a number of fundamental pathological and epidemiological questions regarding HPV infection of the genital tract.