Can 'high-risk' human papillomaviruses (HPVs) be detected in human breast milk?

Human papillomavirus (HPV) transmission via nonsexual modes in childhood has been proposed by several researchers. The aim of our study was to determine the presence of 'high-risk' HPV DNA in human breast milk.

Using polymerase chain reaction techniques, we evaluated the presence of HPV infection in human breast milk collected from 21 HPV-positive and 11 HPV-negative mothers.

Of the 32 studied human milk specimens, no 'high-risk' HPV 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58 or 58 DNA was detected.

This preliminary case-control study indicates the absence of mucosal 'high-risk' HPV types in human breast milk.