Molecular detection and incidence of human papillomavirus in neonates: Methodology and a pilot study in a medical center

Abstract

Background/Purpose: Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection can cause laryngeal papillomas in children. Vertical transmission has been confirmed. This study aimed to establish a sensitive molecular diagnostic method and understand the incidence of the HPV-6 and HPV-11 in neonates with intubation. Methods: We enrolled 108 newborns between October 2007 and January 2010. All neonates were intubated due to underlying disease. The specimens were collected via endotracheal aspiration. DNA of HPV types 6 and 11 was detected by real-time PCR and nested PCR. Results: HPV-DNA was detected in eight of the 108 newborns studied. Seven respiratory specimens tested positive for HPV-11 and one was positive for HPV-6. The HPV 6/11 detection rate in neonates was 7.4% (8/108). Conclusion: A rapid, sensitive, specific, and reproducible RT-PCR method and nest PCR were developed for the detection and differentiation of HPV-6 and HPV-11 genomic variants in a single PCR reaction. The assays are of great value for clinical and epidemiologic studies of HPV-6 and HPV-11 infections. Neonatal HPV colonization may be related to juvenile-onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis. The transmission route may be from mother to child. The clinical significance of neonatal carriage of HPV-6 or HPV-11 warrants further study. ? 2012 .