Transplacental transmission of Human Papillomavirus

Abstract

This paper aimed at studying the transplacental transmission of HPV and looking at the epidemiological factors involved in maternal viral infection. The following sampling methods were used: (1) in the pregnant woman, (a) genital; (b) peripheral blood; (2) in the newborn, (a) oral cavity, axillary and inguinal regions; (b) nasopharyngeal aspirate, and (c) cord blood; (3) in the placenta. The HPV DNA was identified using two methods: multiplex PCR of human β-globin and of HPV using the PGMY09 and PGMY11 primers; and nested-PCR, which combines degenerated primers of the E6/E7 regions of the HPV virus, that allowed the identification of genotypes 6/11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 42, 52 and 58. Transplacental transmission was considered when type-specific HPV concordance was found between the mother, the placenta and the newborn or the mother and cord blood. The study included 49 HPV DNA-positive pregnant women at delivery. Twelve placentas (24.5%, n = 12/49) had a positive result for HPV DNA. Eleven newborn were HPV DNA positive in samples from the nasopharyngeal or buccal and body or cord blood. In 5 cases (10.2%, n = 5/49) there was HPV type-specific agreement between genital/placenta/newborn samples. In one case (2%, n = 1/49) there was type specific HPV concordance between genital/cord blood and also suggested transplacental transmission. A positive and significant correlation was observed between transplacental transmission of HPV infection and the maternal variables of immunodepression history (HIV, p = 0.011). In conclusion the study suggests placental infection in 23.3% of the cases studied and transplacental transmission in 12.2%. It is suggested that in future HPV DNA be researched in the normal endometrium of women of reproductive age. The possible consequence of fetal exposure to HPV should be observed.

A clinicopathological study of episomal papillomavirus infection of the human placenta and pregnancy complications

“…HPV DNA was detected using the GenPoint HPV DNA Probe cocktail (identifies 13 high-risk HPV types: 16,18,31,33,35,39,45,51,52,56,58,59, and 68) and the GenPoint Tyramide Signal Amplification system according to the manufacturer's instructions with one modification (the biotinyl tyramide solution was added to each slide for five instead of 15 min) (Dako, Glostrup, Denmark). Cells were imaged using light microscopy.…”

“…12 HPV DNA has been detected in the placenta and amniotic fluid. 7,11,[14][15][16][17] HPV strains 6,11,16,18, and 31 have been shown to replicate in trophoblast cell lines, [18][19][20] where HPV infection decreased trophoblast number and trophoblast-endometrial cell adhesion in vitro. 19,20 We investigated for the presence of HPV in the placenta and carried out a histopathological and molecular cross-sectional study of 339 placentae from complicated and uncomplicated pregnancies.…”

Risks associated with viral infections during pregnancy

“…While not herpesviruses, human papillomaviruses HPV6, -11, -16, -18, and -31 can also infect the extravillous trophoblast (18,19); HPV16 and HPV62 have been identified in gestational week-12 chorionic villus (20); and HPV16, -6, -83, and -39 have been characterized full-term placenta (19,(21)(22)(23). Zika virus (ZIKV) can also infect multiple cell types of the decidua and placenta and will be discussed in further detail in a later section.…”

The HPV Vaccine Controversy

“…Vertical transmission of the virus occurs primarily during vaginal delivery [54], but HPV can also infect infants delivered by caesarean section [55] and can be transmitted transplacentally to the fetus [56]. Newborns who acquire genital HPV infection may incur higher risks for genital dysplasia and cancer in addition to genital warts.…”