Study: Many babies acquire oral HPV, possibly during birth
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Cancer-causing human papillomavirus, or HPV, is considered a sexually transmitted infection, but a new study shows that many babies are born carrying the virus in their mouths. In brief, HPV infection can be acquired at early age or even at birth, said lead researcher Dr. Stina Syrjanen, head of oral pathology and oral radiology with the University of Turku s Institute of Dentistry in Finland. These infections are asymptomatic and, in most cases, not visible in the mucous membranes of the mouth.
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Worse, HPV infection will persist for months or years in a significant portion of these newborns, increasing their long-term risk of developing cancer or other health problems, experts said.