Published today in the JAMA Network Open. this finding may have serious implications, as HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in Canada and worldwide, and a high proportion of women with the virus are of childbearing age.

"Our study shows that persistent infection with HPV type 16 or 18 into the third trimester of pregnancy is associated with a risk of preterm birth," explained Trottier, who teaches at UdeM's School of Public Health. "Considering that preterm births remain a major cause of perinatal mortality and morbidity, this is worrisome."

On the bright side, an effective HPV vaccine is already available and could be used to prevent premature births associated with the infection.

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