High-risk HPV (16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66, 68) genotype determination

High-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) can cause malignant neoplastic diseases, such as cervical cancer, and less commonly anal, vulvar, vaginal, penile, and oropharyngeal cancer. The main high-risk HPV types are 16 and 18, but there are other types such as 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66, 68, which also act pathogenically. Upon infecting epithelial cells, high-risk HPV induces DNA damage in the cells, which, if left unchanged and not destroyed by the immune system, leads to a long-term infection and eventually cancerous transformation. In most cases, the initial HPV infection is asymptomatic and can be eliminated by the immune system within 1-2 years. In some cases, the virus remains in a latent state, causing no symptoms or visible changes. This state can last for years or even decades. If the virus causes cellular changes, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) begins to develop, which is an early form of cancer. If CIN progresses and is not treated, it can turn into invasive cervical or other site cancers. Pap smear and molecular HPV testing are recommended to detect neoplastic changes early, especially in women aged 21 years and older or upon initiating sexual activity.