IARC 60th Anniversary - 19-21 May 2026
Session : 19/05/26 - Posters
Human Papillomavirus infection in pregnancy: Implications for early detection and cervical cancer prevention in a public health setting
SALAS A. 1, MOSMANN J. 1, VENEZUELA R. 1, MAINO C. 2, KRIVORUK . 3, LUCERO V. 3, GHIETTO L. 1, LINGUA G. 1, CUFFINI C. 1
1 Facultad de Ciencias Médicas- Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina; 2 Hospital Universitario de Maternidad y Neonatología- Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina; 3 Hospital Materno Provincial "Dr. Raúl Felipe Lucini", Córdoba, Argentina
Introduction
The prevalence of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection in pregnant women has been examined in multiple studies, collectively suggesting an increased risk of infection during pregnancy, with reported prevalence ranging from 12% to 70% depending on the region studied. The high prevalence described in this vulnerable population highlights the importance of strengthening early HPV detection strategies; in addition, previous studies have reported an association between HPV infection and adverse pregnancy outcomes, as well as its possible contribution to obstetric and gynecological complications.
Objective
To determine the prevalence of HPV infection in pregnant women during the third trimester and to evaluate its association with demographic and clinical-epidemiological factors.
Materials and Methods
A prospective cross-sectional cohort study (09/2022–04/2024), approved by the corresponding ethics committees, was conducted. A total of 227 pregnant women in their third trimester were recruited from two public maternity hospitals in Córdoba-Argentina. HPV detection was performed in vaginal fornix samples using PCR with MY09/11 primers.
Results
The prevalence of HPV infection was 4.84% (n = 11). The mean age of the participants was 26 years (range: 21–37), and the mean gestational age was 32.3 weeks (range: 32–37). No statistically significant association (p > 0.05) was observed between HPV detection and maternal age, condom use, previous abortions, history of sexually transmitted infections, or gestational age.
Conclusion
Although the prevalence of HPV infection in this vulnerable population was low, these findings underscore the need for continued epidemiological surveillance and the reinforcement of timely HPV detection during prenatal care. Early identification of HPV infection is critical to prevent high-grade cervical lesions and cervical cancer in women, as well as to reduce the potential risk of transmission to the newborn, thereby contributing to improved maternal and neonatal health prevention strategies.