Already associated with almost all cancers of the cervix, the papillomavirus (HPV) can also cause premature births in pregnant women.
- Human papillomavirus is a DNA virus of the Papillomaviridae family.
- About 200 different genotypes are known; some are transmitted by skin contact and infect the skin, others potentially more dangerous are sexually transmitted.
According to a new study published in JAMAwomen carrying the papillomavirus during their pregnancy have a much higher risk of giving birth prematurely. “Premature birth, the etiology of which is often unknown, remains one of the leading causes of perinatal mortality worldwide.recall the researchers in the preamble.
The papillomavirus very present in pregnant women
Their study was conducted in three Montreal hospitals, with 899 pregnant women recruited between November 8, 2010 and October 16, 2016. The follow-up of future mothers ended on June 15, 2017. Conclusion: HPV DNA was detected in 378 women (42% of the cohort) in their vaginal samples taken during the first trimester. It was also identified in 91 of the 819 placentas (11.1% of the cohort) at the time of delivery. Fifty-five participants gave birth prematurely.
A significant association
HPV detection in the vagina was significantly associated with all preterm births. Ditto for placental HPV infection. “If the association identified between HPV infection during pregnancy and preterm birth is causal, HPV vaccination could reduce preterm birth”conclude the authors of the study.
Vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV) infections has been recommended since 2007 in France for all young girls and all young boys. Badly cared for, it can progress to all sorts of diseases, including cancer of the cervix.
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