The implications of male human papilloma virus infection in couples seeking assisted reproduction technologies

Unraveling Immunological Dynamics: HPV Infection in Women-Insights from Pregnancy

During pregnancy, hormonal and immune adaptations are vital for supporting the genetically distinct fetus during elevated infection risks. The global prevalence of HPV necessitates its consideration during pregnancy. Despite a seemingly mild immune response, historical gestational viral infections underscore its significance. Acknowledging the established HPV infection risks during pregnancy, our review explores the unfolding immunological changes in pregnant women with HPV. Our analysis aims to uncover strategies for safely modulating the immune system, mitigating adverse pregnancy consequences, and enhancing maternal and child health. This comprehensive narrative review delves into the existing knowledge and studies on this topic.

Review of the evidence of the effects of human papillomavirus infection and Gardnerella vaginalis, and their co-infection on infertility

A prevalent sexually transmitted infection, the human papillomavirus (HPV) is typically obtained just after the first sexual activity. The majority of HPV infections are asymptomatic and temporary. Cervical, anal, penile, vaginal, vulvar, and oropharyngeal cancers can occur due to recurrent infections with high-risk (hr)-HPV strains, generally decades later. Infections with HPV are significantly associated with reproductive function abnormalities. Per recent research, HPV infections may result in male infertility by reducing sperm motility. The hr-HPV infection was a risk factor for miscarriage, and the indiscriminate HPV genotype increased the probability of premature labor unexpectedly. Women's endometrial trophoblastic cell implantation is decreased by HPV. Gardnerella vaginalis (GV), an anaerobic bacterium that is a component of the natural vaginal flora, can be associated with bacterial vaginosis (BV) when it starts to overgrow and emerge as the dominant species. Reduced Lactobacillus species abundance and GV are linked to female infertility. Data from in vitro studies suggests that sialidase produced by GV may facilitate the entry and growth of papilloma and other sexually transmitted viruses. Also, based on some studies conducted in the past, it can be said that GV and BV are associated with the development of uterine cancer. However, there is still not enough information about the exact mechanism of GV and HPV in causing infertility, which requires more research.

The Impact of 9-Valent HPV Vaccination on Couple Infertility Prevention: A Comprehensive Review

A comprehensive literature review was performed to determine the relationship between HPV infection and infertility and the eventual role of the 9-valent vaccine for infertility prevention. The search was extended from January 1997 through July 2021. Data collected from selected articles focused on three main topics: statistical associations between HPV prevalence and assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcome, association between HPV and characteristics of semen, and associations between HPV and miscarriage. Articles that identified HPV genotypes were selected for this review to study the possible role of the 9-valent vaccine in infertility prevention. To date, there is no agreement on the implication HPV female infection has on the fertility and miscarriage rate. Although it can be stated that HPV prevalence among couples with infertility undergoing ART treatment is consistent, it does not seem to affect the performance of oocytes. Otherwise, HPV infection affects sperm parameters, in particular spermatozoa motility. When an association can be found, most cases of HR-HPV involved are those included in the 9-valent vaccine. The correlation between HPV male infection both with asthenozoospermia and increased risk of pregnancy loss could recommend the extension of anti-HPV vaccination to adolescent males along with cancer prevention. Despite the fact that the relation between 9-valent HPV genotypes involved in female infection and miscarriage/infertility is not clear, the impact of this virus on health reproduction is evident. Considering this, the importance of HPV vaccination in adolescent females is confirmed. A vaccine efficacy study could be useful to confirm the importance of primary prevention for couple reproductive health.

Human Papillomavirus and Infertility

Background and objectives. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most commonly sexually transmitted infection. Recent evidence suggests that an HPV infection may affect fertility. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of HPV infections among couples undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) and to identify their awareness of HPV. Material and Methods. A total of 200 samples were collected from couples who received IVF treatment during 2017–2018 in Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos (VUH SK) Santaros Fertility Centre (SFC). For HPV detection, cervical swabs from women and sperm samples from men were taken and a real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used for the identification of 14 high-risk HPV types. Sperm parameters were evaluated according to World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations for 2010. Research subjects answered an anonymous questionnaire to ascertain their knowledge of HPV. Results. After testing of HPV in couples undergoing IVF, it was found that 33 out of 100 couples (33%) were HPV positive. Of these, 19% of women (19/100) and 20% of men (20/100) tested positive. Using Fisher’s exact test, a statistically significant difference was found between HPV infections and abnormal sperm quality parameters (p = 0.023). Conclusions. HPV may have an impact in spermatogenesis, because an HPV infection was more frequently detected in men with abnormal sperm parameters. High-risk HPV 52 was the most common genotype among couples undergoing IVF treatment.