Introduction: Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the most widespread
sexually transmitted infection in the world. Today, there is growing
evidence that HPV can be transmitted early in life, and one potential route is
mother-to-child transmission. Data on this route of HPV transmission are
scarce in Africa and particularly in Burkina Faso, where no data on the subject
are yet available. The aim of our study was to estimate the rate of mother-
to-child transmission of HPV infection and to identify circulating genotypes.
Methodology: Cervico-uterine samples were collected from 100 full-term
pregnant women and, buccal samples were obtained from their newborns at
Hopital Saint Camille de Ouagadougou (HOSCO) by the specialist physician.
HPV DNA amplification and genotyping were performed by PCR followed
by hybridization using the HPV Direct Flow Chips kit, detecting 36 genotypes
including 18 high-risk and 18 low-risk. Results: The prevalence of HPV in
newborns was 8% (8/100). Six (6) HPV-positive neonates had HPV-positive
mothers, while 2 HPV-positive neonates had HPV-negative mothers. The vertical
transmission rate was 26.09% (6/23). Mother-newborn genotypes were
concordant. However, the genotype profile of the newborns was more restricted
than that of the mothers. Conclusion: HPV DNA was found in 8% of
newborns in our study. The genotype profile of the mother-newborn pair was
concordant. Asymptomatic HPV infection in a pregnant woman could constitute
a risk factor for vertical transmission.

Mother-to-Child Transmission, Human Papillomavirus, PCR, Genotypes