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Updated: Aug 11, 2026

Genotypic Inference of HIV-1 Tropism Using Population-based Sequencing of V3
Published on: December 27, 2010
[Vertical transmission of HIV: descriptive epidemiology, risk factors and survival (II)]
E Sánchez Ruiz1, J Casabona Bárbara, C Fortuny Guasch
1Departament de Sanitat, Generalitat de Catalunya, Barcelona.
Insights
The study found a 31.1% human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission rate from infected mothers to their children. Early diagnosis and understanding risk factors are crucial for improving survival rates in pediatric HIV.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric infectious diseases
- Epidemiology of HIV/AIDS
- Vertical transmission of viruses
Context:
- HIV transmission from mother to child is a significant global health concern.
- Understanding transmission rates and survival is vital for intervention strategies.
- This study followed children born to HIV-positive mothers until November 1990.
Purpose:
- To determine the vertical transmission rate of HIV.
- To analyze the survival of infected children.
- To identify risk factors associated with pediatric HIV infection.
Summary:
- A cohort of 415 children born to HIV-positive mothers was analyzed.
- The definite transmission rate was 31.1% (82 infected out of 264 classified).
- Maternal infection routes were primarily intravenous drug use and sexual contact; median incubation was 285 days, with a 22% estimated fatality rate.
Impact:
- Identified a significant vertical transmission rate of 31.1%.
- Highlighted the importance of early diagnosis and risk factor assessment in pediatric HIV.
- Provided data on survival and fatality rates, informing prognosis and care.
Abstract:
Up until November 30, 1990, 415 children born to HIV-positive mothers were followed in order to study the vertical transmission rate and the survival of those infected, as well as the associated risk factors. According to CDC criteria, 264 children could be considered definitely classified, with 82 classified as infected (transmission rate: 31.1%) and 182 as sero-negative. The remaining 151 infants were younger than 15 months and classified as PO. Ninety percent of the studied mothers were infected through either the use of intravenous drugs or by sexual intercourse with HIV infected partner. The loss-of-antibody median age was one year. The median for the incubation period was 285 days, with a significant bimodal distribution regarding the child's age at diagnosis. Although the median survival time was longer than the study period, the fatality rate was estimated to be 22.0% and the percentage of children reaching age 4, 27%.
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