HPV and pregnancy: diagnostic methods, transmission and evolution.

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Infectious Diseases
• Virology

Background:

• Pregnancy can increase susceptibility to infections, including Human Papillomavirus (HPV).
• HPV infections during pregnancy present diagnostic challenges due to varying prevalence rates (5.4%–68.8%) and potential latency.
• Younger pregnant women, particularly those under 26, represent a high-risk demographic for HPV infection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the relationship between HPV infection and pregnancy.
• To understand potential complications associated with HPV during gestation.
• To review diagnostic methods and transmission dynamics of HPV in pregnant populations.

Main Methods:

• Review of diagnostic techniques including clinical (gynecological exams, PAP-tests, colposcopy) and molecular methods (DNA assay, PCR, Hybrid Capture).
• Analysis of literature data on HPV prevalence, risk factors, and maternal-fetal transmission.
• Examination of the natural course of HPV infection in pregnancy and postpartum.

Main Results:

• Prevalence of HPV in pregnancy is highly variable, influenced by diagnostic methods, patient history, and sampling time.
• Maternal-fetal transmission of HPV is a documented concern, potentially causing juvenile laryngeal papillomatosis in newborns.
• Newborn HPV infections often resolve spontaneously within six months of birth.

Conclusions:

• Pregnancy can promote HPV development, which frequently regresses postpartum.
• Discrepancies in research findings are attributed to diverse diagnostic approaches and study parameters.
• Understanding HPV dynamics in pregnancy is crucial for managing potential maternal and neonatal health risks.