Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection iscommon in women and has been identified as a major risk factor for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and invasive cervical cancer. HPV is a virus that infects epithelial cells and can cause hyperproliferation of these cells. The virus contains double stranded DNA and thus far more than 100 different genotypes have been identified. Based on their presence in cervical carcinoma specimens these genotypes are classified as high-risk or low-risk. Infection with high-risk genotypes is associated with an increased risk of progression to dysplasia and cervical cancer.