Risk stratification of cervical disease using detection of human papillomavirus (HPV) E4 protein and cellular MCM protein in clinical liquid based cytology samples.

Background: While human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA testing offers high sensitivity for the detection of significant cervical disease, its specificity is suboptimal given the high prevalence of transient HPV infections (CIN1 or less). Biomarkers to identify those suffering from low grade disease from those with high grade disease could save healthcare costs and reduce patient anxiety.

Objective: The objective of the present work was to develop and test an immunohistochemistry (IHC)-based dual viral and cellular biomarker strategy which was applicable to liquid based cytology (LBC) samples.

Use of thermo-coagulation as an alternative treatment modality in a 'screen-and-treat' programme of cervical screening in rural Malawi.

The incidence of cervical cancer in Malawi is the highest in the world and projected to increase in the absence of interventions. Although government policy supports screening using visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA), screening provision is limited due to lack of infrastructure, trained personnel, and the cost and availability of gas for cryotherapy. Recently, thermo-coagulation has been acknowledged as a safe and acceptable procedure suitable for low-resource settings.

DNA copy number variations are important in the complex genetic architecture of müllerian disorders.

Objective: To clinically and genetically investigate women with müllerian disorders, including Mayer-Rokitanksy-Kuster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome.

Design: Two-year prospective clinical and laboratory study.

Setting: Not applicable.