Automatic Array Hybridization: Characterization of Human Papillomaviruses by PCR-Screening

摘要

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women worldwide. High-risk strains of human papillomaviruses can be detected in nearly 100 % of diseased tissue. Altogether, more than 124 types of this widespread, mainly sexually transmitted virus are described. The cytological routine diagnostic methods used until now are labor intensive and results are highly depending on skills and expert knowledge of the qualified user. Alternatively, PCR-screening combined with DNA probe hybridization has been established as highly sensitive method. However, for high-throughput screenings, the commonly used line probe technology quickly reaches its limits. To overcome this, a DNA Array in 96-well microtiterplate format was developed. This array format provides professional users a simple, efficient and automatable HPV diagnostic and strain typing along with high throughput screening.