Preterm birth remains a leading cause of perinatal mortality and lifelong morbidity worldwide.

The cause of most preterm births is unknown, although several infectious processes have been implicated.

We assess whether human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, a frequent infection among women of childbearing age, is associated with preterm birth.

The prospective HERITAGE cohort study was conducted at 3 academic hospitals in Montreal, Québec, Canada, among 899 pregnant women recruited between November 8, 2010, and October 16, 2016. Follow-up was completed on June 15, 2017.

Statistical analysis was conducted from February 6, 2020, to January 21, 2021.

Vaginal HPV DNA detection in the first and third trimesters of pregnancy and placental HPV infection.