Grant: CIHR New Investigator

Infectious diseases are still causing significant morbidity and mortality. This 5-year research program is focused on the epidemiology of viral transmission and consists of two main themes, namely 1) perinatal transmission of human papillomavirus (HPV) and 2) transmission of human herpes viruses (HHV) such as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV or HHV-4), HHV-6 and HHV-7 through blood product transfusion. The incidence of HPV-associated diseases, such as squamous cell carcinoma, has increased in children in recent years, possibly due to an increase in HPV prevalence. Recent evidence suggests that the newborn baby is exposed perinatally to HPV although no reliable exposure rate has been proposed. This research program includes several projects with the ultimate goal to further our understanding of the rate and determinants of perinatal transmission of HPV, the rate and determinants of its persistence in infants, the impact of HPV on pregnancy outcome and in children as well as to provide a better understanding of HPV antibodies acquired during childhood. This program will improve the comprehension of the full natural history of HPV. Furthermore, risk of viral transmission through blood product transfusion continues to be a concern. The research program will also focus on safety of blood product transfusion regarding the transmission of several viruses. More specifically, the risk of transmission of human herpes viruses through blood products transfusion will be studied. These viruses are associated with debilitating diseases, especially among immune suppressed population, and are highly prevalent among blood donors. The results of this program of research will have a direct bearing on our ability to obtain relevant and accurate epidemiologic data that will inform decision makers in terms of defining new policies regarding safety of blood product transfusion and prevention of infection.