Maternal transmission of human papillomavirus in retinoblastoma: A possible route of transfer

CONTEXT: After establishing the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) in retinoblastoma (RB), the probable role of the mother was investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 21 sporadic RB cases and 15/21 corresponding mothers′ cervical brushings were collected. HPV testing was carried out using multiplex PCR (PGMY09/11 primers) followed by genotyping using line blot assay. RESULTS: We found both high- (83%) and intermediate-risk (17%) HPV types in 12/21 (57%) RB samples and only high-risk (100%) types in 6/15 (40%) cervical brushing samples. The single genotype of HPV 16 was found in six cases and HPVs 82, 68 and 35 in one case each. Both HPVs 16 and 59 were found in two cases and HPV 16 and 73 in one case. Three samples of RB harboring HPV 16, HPVs 16 and 59, and HPVs 16 and 73 had HPV genotype 16 in the respective mothers′ cervical brushing samples. CONCLUSIONS: Maternal transfer of HPV in RB could be a possible route of transmission. However, a larger cohort and sampling of the mothers′ cervical brushings at various stages, i.e. before, during, and after pregnancy will give us insight to propound an alternate mechanism for the development of sporadic RB.