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Updated: Jun 23, 2026
08:12
Isolation of Leukocytes from Human Breast Milk for Use in an Antibody-dependent Cellular Phagocytosis Assay of HIV Targets
Published on: September 6, 2019
HIV: mother-to-child transmission
1Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg (Cape Town), South Africa.
BMJ Clinical Evidence
|May 20, 2009
Summary
Preventing mother-to-child HIV transmission is crucial, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. This review examines interventions like antiretroviral drugs and infant feeding methods to reduce HIV spread.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Over 2 million children globally live with HIV/AIDS, predominantly in sub-Saharan Africa.
- Without treatment, mother-to-child HIV transmission rates range from 15-30% during pregnancy/labor and 15-20% during breastfeeding.
- HIV-1 is the primary cause of mother-to-child transmission, unlike the rare transmission of HIV-2.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the effectiveness and safety of interventions aimed at reducing mother-to-child HIV transmission.
- To answer the clinical question regarding the impact of various measures on preventing HIV transmission from mothers to their children.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review of 18 studies, including systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and observational studies.
- Searches conducted across major databases (Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library) up to January 2007.
- Inclusion of harms alerts from regulatory agencies and GRADE evaluation of evidence quality.
Main Results:
- The review identified and analyzed studies on various interventions for preventing mother-to-child HIV transmission.
- Data from systematic reviews, RCTs, and observational studies were synthesized.
Conclusions:
- The systematic review provides information on the effectiveness and safety of interventions including antiretroviral drugs, infant feeding strategies, and elective cesarean section.
- Other interventions evaluated include immunotherapy, vaginal microbicides, and vitamin supplements for preventing HIV transmission.
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