Maternal-fetal transmission of human papillomavirus.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the maternal-fetal transmission of human papillomavirus (HPV).

METHODS

Samples of exfoliated cervical cells were obtained from 73 pregnant women on their third-trimester examinations. Samples of fetal membranes, amniotic fluid and nasopharyngeal swab were obtained from the parturients and their neonates. The presence of HPV types 16, 18 and 35 deoxyribonucleic acid was detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and endonuclease method.

RESULTS

HPV types 16, 18 and 35 deoxyribonucleic acid were found in 26 (35.6%) of 73 specimens of cervical cells obtained from the parturients, and in 31 (42.5%) of 73 specimens of fetal membranes, 6 (15.4%) of 39 specimens of amniotic fluid, and 5 (14.7%) of 34 neonatal nasopharyngeal swabs obtained from the neonates. The restriction endonuclease analysis of the amplified products showed that HPV types 16, 18 and 35 were positive in 24.7%, 9.6% and 1.4% respectively of parturients, and 11.0%, 4.1% and 0 respectively of neonates. The maternal-fetal transmission rate of HPV was 50% (7/14) for spontaneous vaginal delivery, and 33.3% (4/12) for cesarean section.

CONCLUSION

HPV can be transmitted from mothers to their babies not only through the placenta during pregnancy, but also through the genital tract during delivery.