Papillomavirus DNA and colposcopy instruments

The advent of human papillomavirus detection for cervical screening

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review updates progress in the human papillomavirus (HPV)-based revolution in cervical screening and vaccination predicted to eventually eliminate cervical cancer.

RECENT FINDINGS

HPV PCR, patented by the author in 1987, has recently begun to replace cytology for primary cervical screening. I highlight the findings from large randomized clinical trials that have brought about this change, and progress with implementation. Australia was the first to introduce a national, publicly-funded HPV PCR-based program of primary screening, on 1 December 2017. The United Kingdom is set to follow, as are other countries. The widespread preference of self-sampling by under-screened women in particular will increase the effectiveness of population screening when using HPV tests. Coupled with improved vaccination now that more effective (nonavalent) HPV vaccines are being introduced, recent modeling predicts that cervical cancer will be markedly reduced, or even eliminated, in coming decades.

SUMMARY

The recent or pending change to more accurate cervical screening by HPV detection using PCR in various countries means less frequent screening for women. Women with an aversion to having their sample collected by a physician can collect their sample themselves, either at the doctor's rooms or at home, the sample then being mailed to the testing laboratory.

DNA sequence analysis of DNA gyrase and DNA topoisomerase IV quinolone resistance-determining regions of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi and serovar Paratyphi A

The mutations that are responsible for fluoroquinolone resistance in the gyrA, gyrB, parC, and parE genes of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi and serovar Paratyphi A were investigated. The sequences of the quinolone resistance-determining region of the gyrA gene in clinical isolates which showed decreased susceptibilities to fluoroquinolones had a single mutation at either the Ser-83 or the Asp-87 codon, and no mutations were found in the gyrB, parC, and parE genes.

Transmission of genital human papillomavirus infections is unlikely through the floor and seats of humid dwellings in countries of high-level hygiene

To evaluate the transmission of genital human papillomavirus (HPV) through the floor and seats of humid dwellings, samples were collected with a toothbrush from the floor and seat surfaces of humid dwellings; showers, saunas and dressing rooms. The survey included 3 bathing resorts, 1 indoor swimming pool, 2 schools and 2 private homes. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to amplify the human beta-globin gene and HPV DNA. The results for HPV DNA amplification were confirmed by Southern blot hybridization under low stringency using a probe mixture of HPV types 6, 16, 18 and 31. beta-globin could be amplified only from 3 sample taken from a dressing room of and indoor public swimming pool. No HPV DNA-positive samples were found. These results indicate that transmission of genital HPV infection via floor or seat surfaces in the above dwellings in general or family use is highly unlikely.