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

High-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) can lead to malignant neoplastic diseases such as cervical cancer, less commonly anal, vulvar, vaginal, penile, and oropharyngeal cancers. The primary 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 causes DNA damage, which, if left unchanged and not destroyed by the immune system, results in a long-term infection and eventually cancerous transformation. In most cases, primary HPV infection is asymptomatic and can be eliminated by the immune system within 1-2 years. In some instances, 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 tests are recommended for the early detection of neoplastic changes, especially for women aged 21 and over or those who are sexually active.