Prematurity risk in association with human papillomavirus infection

Abstract

Prematurity is an important cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Recent studies have shown that human pa­pil­lo­mavirus (HPV) infection also extends to the newborn. During pregnancy, the risk of obstetric complications, such as preterm premature rupture of fetal membranes (PPROM), prematurity, preeclampsia and spontaneous abor­tion, increase through inflammatory changes induced in trophoblast cells and, thus, through histopathologically iden­ti­fied placental abnormalities. The prevalence of HPV is increasing among young population, with a peak around the age of 25 years old. In addition, other infectious diseases, such as bacterial vaginosis and tri­cho­mo­nia­sis, can also act to cause PPROM by similar me­ch­a­nisms. Worldwide, there are three types of inactivated HPV vaccines (bivalent, quadrivalent and 9-valent), with the latter (Gardasil-9®) being currently the most recommended for use in the general population. Even though HPV vaccination will never reach a 100% coverage, its implementation in na­tio­nal immunization programs worldwide is one of the key solutions needed in order to reduce the impact of pre­ma­tu­ri­ty on the newborn.