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Mother-to-child HIV transmissions in Israel, 1985-2011.
Z Mor1, R Sheffer1, D Chemtob2
1The Aviv Department of Health,Public Health Services,Ministry of Heath,Tel Aviv,Israel.
Epidemiology and Infection
|April 5, 2017
Summary
Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) significantly reduced mother-to-child HIV transmission in Israel. Rates dropped from 16.3% to 1.7% after HAART introduction, with continued declines among key risk groups.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) is the primary cause of pediatric HIV infections in Israel.
- Understanding MTCT trends is crucial for effective prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess MTCT rates in Israel from 1988 to 2011.
- To analyze changes in MTCT in relation to the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in 1996.
Main Methods:
- A historical prospective study of all HIV-infected women delivering in Israel between 1988 and 2011.
- Comparison of demographic, clinical, laboratory, and therapy characteristics of HIV-infected newborns versus others, and infants born before and after 1996.
Main Results:
- Overall MTCT rate was 3.1% (25/796 infants).
- MTCT rates significantly decreased post-HAART introduction (1.7% vs. 16.3% before 1996).
- Vertical transmission was linked to younger maternal age, Ethiopian origin, vaginal delivery, lack of HAART, and pre-1996 delivery. Postpartum antiretroviral therapy reduced infant HIV infection and mortality.
Conclusions:
- HAART during pregnancy and labor significantly reduces MTCT.
- Ethiopian migrants represented a key risk group, though MTCT rates among them are decreasing.
- Continued efforts for early HIV testing and HAART access for pregnant women in risk groups are vital.