To determine the prevalence of human papilloma virus (HPV) genotypes in relation to cervical cytology, 1,290 cervical samples from a regularly screened population of 30-55-year-old women were investigated. Gynaecological specimens, obtained from the cervix, were cytologically classified and screened for the presence of HPVs 6/11 and 16/18 using dot-spot DNA hybridisation. Of the cervical samples containing unequivocally normal cells, 21 of 1,271 (1.6%) were found positive for HPV, and of the cervical samples containing cells with mild dysplasia, 6 of 14 (43%) were found positive for HPV. All five samples containing cells consistent with severe dysplasia or carcinoma in situ were found positive for HPV. Approximately 50% of the HPV-positive samples contained HPV 16 and/or HPV 18 DNA.