Maternal human papillomavirus infections at mid-pregnancy and delivery in a Scandinavian mother–child cohort study

Abstract

Objectives: Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections are common, especially during women's reproductive years, with unclear obstetrical impact. This study aimed to identify HPV prevalence at mid-gestation and delivery, type-specific persistence from mid-gestation to delivery, and risk factors for HPV infection and persistence. Methods: In 757 women from a Scandinavian prospective mother-child cohort, HPV was analyzed in firstvoid urine samples at mid-gestation and delivery. We used Seegene Anyplex II HPV28 PCR assay for genotyping and semi-quantifying 28 genital HPV genotypes, including 12 high-risk HPVs (HR-HPV). Socio-demographic and health data were collected through e-questionnaires. Results: Any-HPV genotype (any of 28 assessed) was detected in 38% of the study cohort at mid-gestation and 28% at delivery, and HR-HPVs in 24% and 16%, respectively. The most prevalent genotype was HPV16: 6% at mid-gestation and 4% at delivery. Persistence of Any-HPV genotype was 52%, as was HR-HPV genotype-specific persistence. A short pre-conception relationship with the child's father and alcohol intake during pregnancy increased HPV infection risk at both time points. Low viral load at mid-gestation was associated with clearance of HPV infections at delivery. Conclusion: HPV prevalence was higher at mid-gestation compared with delivery, and low viral load was associated with clearance of HPV at delivery.

Maternal HPV Infection: Effects on Pregnancy Outcome

“…The clearance of HPV during pregnancy has been shown to be decreased, with high viral loads additionally favoring persistence, which is in line with the hypothesis that pregnancy is defined by an altered immune response [79]. However, this trend can be observed in the first two trimesters, while the postpartum period is characterized by an increase in HPV clearance.…”

Human Papillomavirus Infection Among Pregnant Women Living With HIV: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…4,5 Rates of HPV prevalence during pregnancy even in women without HIV were high but comparable with other studies of women without HIV from the literature. 3,25,26…”

Maternal human papillomavirus infection during pregnancy and preterm delivery: A mother–child cohort study in Norway and Sweden

“…Total nucleic acids for HPV detection were extracted from 1000 μL first-void urine samples and analysis and HPV genotyping were performed on all urine samples with Anyplex II HPV28-PCR assay (Seegene Inc., Seoul, South Korea), as described previously. 25 1), and was also used for HPV analysis of placenta. At delivery, a total of three punch biopsies, diameter 5 mm, were cut all through the placenta (central, middle, and peripheral lobes) for HPV detection.…”

“…Viral load was classified as high, medium, or low, according to detection thresholds with Anyplex II HPV28-PCR. 25 Multiple HPV infection was defined as being positive for HR-HPV and at least one further HPV genotype.…”