Infections with multiple high-risk HPV types are associated with high-grade and persistent low-grade intraepithelial lesions of the cervix.

Background: Infections with multiple human papillomavirus (HPV) types (mHPV) in Papanicolaou tests have been reported but the histologic correlation and clinical meaning remains debatable.

Methods: The authors prospectively tested 37 HPV types using the Linear Array HPV Genotyping Test and correlated the results to cytology and histology findings in 260 women evaluated from June 2009 to October 2011 and followed for up to 60 months.

Results: HPV was detected in 148 of 235 samples (63%) and high-risk HPV was detected in 132 samples (56%).