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Updated: Nov 17, 2025

Isolation of Leukocytes from Human Breast Milk for Use in an Antibody-dependent Cellular Phagocytosis Assay of HIV Targets
Published on: September 6, 2019
Not Recommended, But Done: Breastfeeding with HIV in Germany.
Lila Haberl1, Franz Audebert2, Cornelia Feiterna-Sperling3
1Department of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt, Germany.
Breastfeeding for mothers living with HIV (MLWH) is increasing in Germany. While diverse, duration and maternal ART varied, highlighting a need for updated guidelines and prospective data collection for HIV prevention of mother-to-child transmission.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
- Reproductive Health
Background:
- Breastfeeding (BF) for mothers living with HIV (MLWH) remains controversial in resource-rich settings like Germany, where formula feeding is typically recommended.
- Despite recommendations, single cases of BF in MLWH have been reported in Germany, but systematic data collection was lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To address the data gap regarding breastfeeding practices among mothers living with HIV in Germany.
- To analyze the duration of breastfeeding and maternal antiretroviral treatment (ART) in MLWH.
Main Methods:
- The HELENE study collected data from 42 BF cases across 15 German treatment centers between May 2009 and July 2020.
- Data were gathered via questionnaires, patient files, and direct communication with healthcare providers.
Main Results:
- An increasing trend in BF cases among MLWH was observed over time.
- The median BF duration was 20 weeks (range: colostrum only to 104 weeks).
- Nearly all BF women received ART, with various regimen types, and 39% used non-recommended drugs according to German-Austrian guidelines.
Conclusions:
- Breastfeeding practices among MLWH in Germany are diverse regarding duration, ART, and monitoring.
- Increasing BF cases necessitate updated guidelines for MLWH, infant follow-up, and monitoring.
- Urgent need for prospective national and European data collection to enhance HIV prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT).
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