Related Experiment Videos
HIV Transmission to Premature Very Low Birth Weight Infants
Candyce Levin1, David M Le Roux, Michael C Harrison
1From the *Neonatal Department, Groote Schuur Hospital, †Department of Paediatrics, Somerset Hospital, and ‡Department of Paediatrics, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
Insights
Preventing mother-to-child HIV transmission in preterm infants is crucial. With adequate antiretroviral therapy, intrapartum transmission of HIV can be nearly eliminated, even in high-risk preterm infants.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Neonatology
Background:
- Limited research exists on Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) transmission specifically in preterm infants.
- Preterm infants represent a vulnerable population for opportunistic infections, including HIV.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence of HIV transmission in a cohort of HIV-exposed preterm infants.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of current antiretroviral (ARV) management in preventing vertical HIV transmission in this population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 82 HIV-exposed preterm infants.
- Birth polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing for all infants.
- Follow-up PCR testing for surviving infants.
Main Results:
- Five infants (6.1%) tested HIV positive at birth.
- All HIV-positive mothers had received inadequate antiretroviral therapy.
- No HIV transmission was detected in surviving infants who completed follow-up PCR testing.
Conclusions:
- Inadequate maternal antiretroviral therapy is associated with increased HIV transmission risk in preterm infants.
- With appropriate maternal care and antiretroviral treatment, intrapartum HIV transmission can be significantly reduced, approaching elimination.
Abstract:
There is sparse literature about HIV transmission in preterm infants. Eighty-two HIV-exposed preterm infants received birth polymerase chain reactions (PCRs). Five (6.1%) were HIV positive with all 5 mothers receiving inadequate antiretrovirals. Of the PCR-negative infants, 9 died and 87% of the survivors received further PCR testing which remained negative. With correct care, intrapartum transmission of HIV can virtually be eliminated.