Postnatal transmission of human immunodeficiency virus type I from mother to infant: a prospective cohort study in Kigali, Rwanda

Article Abstract:

Studies in Africa and in Western countries have found that between 10 and 52 percent of infants born to mothers infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), the virus that causes AIDS, also become infected with the virus. Reports have suggested that HIV-1 is transmitted from mother to child through breast-feeding, but this was assumed to be very rare. To determine the likelihood of mother-to-infant (vertical) transmission of HIV-1 after birth, 210 uninfected mother and infant pairs were studied for about 17 months. During that time 16 (6.3 percent) of the mothers tested positive for the virus. The two risk factors for infection of the mothers were single status and a long period of sexual abstinence after the birth of the baby, perhaps resulting from unstable sexual partnerships. It was not clear when the virus was transmitted; the rate of mother-to-infant transmission was estimated to be either 36 percent (if some infants were infected prenatally) or 53 percent (if they were not infected prenatally). All of the infants tested positive during the same three month period as their mothers did. Breast-feeding was the most likely means of transmission, especially during the early postpartum period. Mothers at high risk for HIV-1 infection should be counseled about the use of formula, unless no safe alternative to breast-feeding is available. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

HIV infection, Diseases, Infants (Newborn), Disease transmission, Breast feeding, Contamination, Breast milk, Neonatal diseases

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Chorioamnionitis and pregnancy outcome in HIV-infected African women

Article Abstract:

HIV infection in pregnancy does not appear to increase the risk of chorioamnionitis (CAM). Researchers in Africa examined 275 HIV-negative pregnant women and 286 HIV-positive pregnant women. The prevalence of the placental infection was 10% in both groups. CAM was associated with premature delivery, early rupture of membranes, and stillbirth. In HIV-infected women, CAM was associated with early neonatal death.

Complications and side effects, Risk factors, Africa, Pregnancy, Pregnancy, Complications of, Pregnancy complications, HIV infection in pregnancy, Chorioamnionitis

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Reduction of HIV-1 RNA levels with therapy to suppress herpes simplex virus

Article Abstract:

A study aims to determine whether herpes simplex virus (HSV) suppressive therapy reduces human immunodeficiency virus type1 (HIV-1) among dually infected women in Burkina Faso. Results demonstrate that HSV suppressive therapy significantly reduces genital and plasma HIV-1 ribonucleic acid (RNA) levels, findings which could have important implications for HIV control.

United States, Care and treatment, HIV (Viruses), HIV, Genetic aspects, Herpes simplex virus, Clinical report

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