Detection of human papilloma virus 16/18 by the quantitative fluorescent PCR
Objective To study the relation between the HPV6/18 virus infection and the development of pathological changes of cervix. Methods The number of HPV16/18 DNA copies and the expression rate of HPV16/18 E7 mRNA in the pathological cervix were examined by the quantitative fluorescent PCR combined with pathological diagnosis and immunohistochemistry staining. Results The HPV16 infection rates in chronic cervicitis group were much lower (7.4%) than that in the cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) groups and the cervical cancer group (69.6% and 72.7%), respectively. Statistical analysis showed that the difference of HPV16 DNA copies was not significant between the chronic cervicitis group and CIN groups. In contrast to the above mentioned result, the number of HPV DNA copies between the CIN groups and the cervical cancer group was significantly different. The HPV16 E7 gene expression rates in CIN Ⅰ, Ⅱ, Ⅲ and cervical cancer groups were 0,37.5%,42.9%,63.6%, respectively. Conclusion Ins more common than that with HPV18. The number of HPV16 DNA copies in cervical cancer tissues is markedly higher than that in CIN Ⅱ, Ⅲ groups. The HPV16 E7 mRNA expression is significantly increased in the cervical cancer, and it is more closely correlated to this pathological changes. The quantitative fluorescent PCR can be used to reflect the activity of HPV, and it is a useful method for the screening examination of HPV and for the early diagnosis and treatment of cervical caner. 
 
Key words: 
Quantitative fluorescent PCR;  Human papilloma virus;  Cervical cancer