Molecular Diagnosis as a Tool for Early Screening of Human Papillomavirus (Hpv)

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is associated with about 4.5% of human cancers, especially cervical cancer, which accounts for approximately 604,000 cases and 342,000 deaths annually attributed to the virus. Among more than 400 described genotypes, only 12 are classified as oncogenic: 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, and 59 (NELSON; MIRABELLO, 2023). Cervical cancer screening combines minimally invasive methods, such as liquid-based cytology and Papanicolaou staining, with molecular tests based on PCR, which enable early and sensitive detection of viral DNA, even before visible cellular changes. To evaluate the application of molecular diagnosis by PCR for early detection of HPV in cervical samples, in association with liquid-based cytology. A total of 260 clinical samples of endocervical and vaginal secretions received between January and June 2025 were evaluated. All samples were collected from female individuals with a mean age of 35 years. Co-testing (molecular detection of HPV by PCR and cytology stained by the Papanicolaou technique) was performed in 81 samples, allowing integrated analysis of viral presence and cellular abnormalities. High-risk HPV DNA was detected in 64 (24.6%) of the 260 samples analyzed. Genotype HPV 16 was found in 13.2% of samples, HPV 18 in 17% of samples, and other high-risk genotypes (31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66, and 68) were detected in 69.8% of samples. Among the 81 samples submitted to co-testing, 62 had negative PCR and normal cytology (76.5%), 18 were PCR positive for high-risk HPV with normal cytology (22.3%), and only 1 sample had positive PCR for high-risk HPV with abnormal cytology (1.23%). No samples showed cytological abnormalities with negative PCR. The integration of molecular diagnosis by PCR as a tool for early HPV screening is an essential approach in combating cervical cancer. While cytology identifies cellular changes suggestive of lesions with lower sensitivity, PCR can detect viral DNA early, even in the absence of cytological abnormalities. This combination enhances the capacity for timely intervention, contributing significantly to prevention and reduction of cervical cancer incidence.