Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 9, 2026

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

7.1K

Maternal Factors Influencing the Nutritional Status of HIV-Exposed Infants: A 12-Month Follow-Up in Mathare and

Elizabeth Mueke Kiilu1, Simon Karanja2, Gideon Kikuvi2

  • 1Department of Public Health, University of Bradford, Bradford, UK. e.m.kiilu@bradford.ac.uk.

AIDS and Behavior
|February 14, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Maternal factors like age and nutrition significantly impact infant growth, especially for HIV-exposed babies. Improving maternal care and antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence is key to preventing infant malnutrition and reducing HIV transmission.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Optimal infant nutrition is critical for survival and development.
  • HIV-exposed infants face higher risks of low birthweight, malnutrition, and HIV infection.
  • Understanding nutritional status determinants in HIV-exposed infants is vital for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the nutritional status of HIV-exposed infants over 12 months.
  • To identify maternal and infant factors associated with malnutrition (wasting, stunting, underweight) in this cohort.
  • To inform strategies for improving infant growth and reducing vertical HIV transmission.

Main Methods:

  • A 12-month longitudinal study involving 166 HIV-exposed infants.
  • Nutritional status assessed at 6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months using WHO growth standards.
  • Data analyzed using Fisher's test and logistic regression to determine odds ratios (aOR) and confidence intervals (CI).

Main Results:

  • Younger maternal age (18-24 years) increased odds of infant wasting at all timepoints.
  • Maternal underweight and second-line antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimens were linked to higher stunting odds at 6 months.
  • Poor maternal ART adherence and second-line ART regimens increased stunting odds at 12 months.
  • High maternal viral load was associated with underweight infants at 6 weeks; maternal employment correlated with lower underweight odds.

Conclusions:

  • Maternal nutrition, ART adherence, and viral load significantly influence infant nutritional status.
  • Integrating comprehensive nutritional care and enhancing ART counseling are crucial.
  • These interventions can mitigate risks of poor infant growth and vertical HIV transmission.

Keywords:
HIV exposed infantInfantInfant nutritionMaternal HIV infection

More Related Videos

A Common Marmoset Model of Mother-Infant Intervention for Breastfeeding Disorders in the Presence of Paternal Inhibition and Maternal Neglect05:04

A Common Marmoset Model of Mother-Infant Intervention for Breastfeeding Disorders in the Presence of Paternal Inhibition and Maternal Neglect

Published on: September 22, 2023

366
Determining Gender-Based Differences in Retinal and Choroidal Thickness in Underweight Individuals via Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography03:35

Determining Gender-Based Differences in Retinal and Choroidal Thickness in Underweight Individuals via Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography

Published on: December 1, 2023

275

Related Concept Videos

Pathophysiology of Diabetes01:20

Pathophysiology of Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia. The four categories of diabetes are type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, other specific types of diabetes, and gestational diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility, suggesting a...
Development of Human Microbiota01:30

Development of Human Microbiota

The human microbiota begins developing at birth and undergoes continual change as we age. Infancy marks a critical period of microbial sensitivity, offering a “window of opportunity” during which beneficial microbes help mature the immune system. By age three, children typically develop a more stable and diverse microbial community. Newborns acquire microbes from their immediate environment; vaginal delivery favors maternal vaginal microbes, while cesarean births favor microbes from the skin...
Development of the Oral Microbiota01:28

Development of the Oral Microbiota

The establishment of the oral microbiome begins before birth, challenging the long-held belief that the fetal oral cavity is sterile. The presence of oral microbes such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium in amniotic fluid suggests that microbial exposure may occur in utero, potentially through translocation from the maternal oral or gastrointestinal tract. This early colonization primes the neonatal immune system and sets the stage for subsequent microbial succession. Maternal health,...