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Isolation of Leukocytes from Human Breast Milk for Use in an Antibody-dependent Cellular Phagocytosis Assay of HIV Targets
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Isolation of Leukocytes from Human Breast Milk for Use in an Antibody-dependent Cellular Phagocytosis Assay of HIV Targets

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HIV transmission through breastfeeding: still possible in developed countries

Sophie Blumental1, Alina Ferster2, Sigi Van den Wijngaert3

  • 1Pediatric Infectious Disease Unit, and.

Pediatrics
|August 20, 2014
PubMed

Insights

A child contracted human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) through breastfeeding years after birth. This case highlights postnatal transmission risks in developed nations, emphasizing ongoing clinician awareness and targeted health education.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention strategies have significantly reduced mother-to-child transmission.
  • Late maternal seroconversion can complicate traditional screening protocols for HIV prevention.

Observation:

  • A 13-month-old boy presented with unexplained hepatosplenomegaly and inflammatory syndrome, leading to the diagnosis of HIV infection.
  • The infant's mother was also diagnosed with HIV around the same time, with seroconversion confirmed postnatally.

Findings:

  • The mother tested HIV-negative during pregnancy and immediately postpartum, indicating late seroconversion.
  • HIV was transmitted to the infant postnatally through breastfeeding, a rare but documented transmission route in developed countries.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the continued risk of postnatal HIV transmission via breastfeeding, even in industrialized nations.
  • Enhanced clinical awareness and targeted health education are crucial for identifying and preventing rare transmission events.
  • Re-evaluation of screening protocols may be necessary to address late maternal seroconversion and postnatal transmission risks.

Keywords:
HIVbreastfeedinginfantinfectionmother to child transmissionpostnatal

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