Vertical transmission of human papillomavirus in pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background: Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the sexually transmitted infection and cause of cervical cancer, with considerable morbidity and mortality worldwide. Objective: We evaluated and summarized the available evidence on the vertical transmission rate of HPV in pregnant women for their newborns, as well as the possible risk factors for vertical transmission of HPV. Methods & Materials: This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted using the PubMed and Web of Knowledge databases, with articles published between 2006 and 2016, according to PRISMA statement. Results: Of the 361 identified studies, thirteen were selected. All selected studies analyzed possible association of HPV transmission among pregnant women. The presence of HPV virus was detected in all mothers in all articles analyzed, and positivity in children was reported in eleven of the thirteen papers (84.6%). Among the analyzed articles, the prospective design prevailed and the variation of the positive sample varied between 13 and 169 women, all with ages ranging from 18 to 46 years. HPV virus type was classified in most studies, and the highest risk type was the most frequent. Conclusion: As a conclusion, the meta-analysis allowed to evaluate evidence of significant agreement of vertical transmission between pregnant and newborn women and between HPV virus transmission. The possibility of transmission of HPV from the mothers to the newborn has been reported in breast milk, umbilical cord and placenta, which increases the risk of contamination to the baby, emphasizing the need for increased care during pregnancy and birth.