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In practical 3 you have learned how HPV can be detected from formalin-fixed para...

May 9, 2024

Answer

The HPV status of the patient cannot be determined from the information provided.

Solution

Analysis of the agarose gel electrophoresis results: To determine the HPV status of the patient, we would need to see a specific band pattern in the sample lane that corresponds to the expected size of the HPV DNA fragments amplified by the GP5+/GP6+ primers. The information provided does not include the expected size or the presence of bands in the sample lane

Importance of controls: The marker lane provides size references, the empty lane ensures no contamination, the positive control confirms the experiment's accuracy, and the negative control ensures no contamination. However, without the band pattern in the sample lane, we cannot conclude the HPV status

Key Concept

Gel electrophoresis analysis for HPV requires comparison of the sample lane to the expected band pattern for a positive result.

Explanation

Without information on the presence or absence of bands in the sample lane, we cannot determine if the patient's sample contains HPV DNA.

In practical 3 you have learned how HPV can be detected from formalin-fixed paraffin embedded blocks, using primers GP5+/GP6+. Answer the following questions based on the agarose gel image in figure 1. a) Looking at figure 1, what can you say about the HPV status of this patient? Make sure to explain in your answer how you reached your conclusion. In your answer, make sure you comment on the results showed in all experimental lanes. b) Based on the results shown in figure 1, what can you tell your patient about the risk of developing cancer? Explain the reasons behind your answers. c) Still considering results shown in figure 1, would you recommend this patient to get an HPV vaccination? Explain the reasons behind the answers. d) Based on what you have learned and the results of figure 1, what is the risk of this patient to develop breast cancer? Explain the reasons behind your answers. e) Would you recommend this patient to undergo colposcopy? Explain the reasons behind your answer. f) Assuming you had used a TaqMan probe in this experiment, would the result you obtain different? Explain the reasons behind your answer.

a Answer

The HPV status of the patient cannot be determined without additional information.

Solution

Key Concept

Gel electrophoresis band analysis

Explanation

The presence or absence of bands in specific lanes, compared to the positive control, is used to determine the HPV status.

b Answer

Without the gel image, no conclusion about cancer risk can be made.

Solution

Key Concept

HPV presence and cancer risk

Explanation

Certain types of HPV are associated with an increased risk of developing cancer, but detection of the virus is necessary to assess risk.

c Answer

HPV vaccination recommendation cannot be made without knowing the HPV status.

Solution

Key Concept

HPV vaccination

Explanation

Vaccination is recommended as a preventive measure, but its relevance to a patient already infected with HPV is different.

d Answer

No direct correlation between HPV and breast cancer risk can be established from the gel results.

Solution

Key Concept

HPV and cancer association

Explanation

HPV is known to be associated with certain types of cancer, like cervical cancer, but not directly linked to breast cancer.

e Answer

Colposcopy recommendation cannot be made without knowing the HPV status and additional clinical information.

Solution

Key Concept

Colposcopy and HPV

Explanation

Colposcopy is recommended when there's evidence of potential cervical abnormalities, which may be indicated by HPV infection.

f Answer

The use of a TaqMan probe could provide different results, offering quantitative data and specific detection.

Solution

Key Concept

TaqMan probe in PCR

Explanation

TaqMan probes enhance specificity and allow for quantification of DNA, which is not possible with standard agarose gel electrophoresis.