HPV in the Newborn Baby
Can It Be Transmitted? What Are the Risks?

Does HPV Cause Symptoms in the Newborn?

Immediately after birth, the newborn baby is usually completely asymptomatic. HPV causing clinical disease can appear months or even years later. The most important condition that can be seen related to HPV in childhood is laryngeal papillomatosis.

What Is Laryngeal Papillomatosis?

Laryngeal papillomatosis is a disease that appears between the ages of 2–5 and is characterized by the development of wart-like, stalked papillomas in the larynx (the voice box/throat area). HPV Type 6 and Type 11 are most commonly responsible.

Its incidence is reported as about 1.4 per 100,000 births. It is quite a rare condition.

Which Areas Are Affected?

Papillomas can be seen not only in the larynx but also in the lower airways such as;

• The epiglottis
• The trachea
• The bronchi

.

What Are the Symptoms?

Laryngeal papillomatosis is one of the most common causes of airway narrowing in childhood. Clinically, it can present with:

• Chronic hoarseness
• Snoring
• Shortness of breath
• Recurrent respiratory problems

In advanced cases, surgical intervention may be needed.

Can Genital or Anal Warts Be Seen in the Newborn?

Although rare, warts can be seen in the anal and genital area in the newborn or early childhood period. This situation definitely requires a paediatric assessment, and the differential diagnosis should be made carefully.

Is Caesarean Birth Protective?

A caesarean section is not recommended for every HPV-carrying mother. However, in the presence of active, large condylomas blocking the birth canal, a caesarean section may be preferred. This decision should be made individually with an obstetric assessment.

Follow-up and Management

No special routine screening is recommended in the babies of HPV-positive mothers. However, if the child develops:

• Long-lasting hoarseness
• Unexplained snoring
• Difficulty breathing

an Ear, Nose and Throat assessment should be carried out.

HPV transmission in the newborn is possible, but the development of clinical disease is quite rare. Conscious follow-up rather than panic is important.