Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2026
14:23
A Restriction Enzyme Based Cloning Method to Assess the In vitro Replication Capacity of HIV-1 Subtype C Gag-MJ4 Chimeric Viruses
Published on: August 31, 2014
Risk Factors for Vertical Transmission of Human Immunodeficiency Virus in Angola: A Case-Control Study
Paulo Ney Solari1,2, Pedro Aguiar1, Gonçalo Figueiredo Augusto1
1NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, Comprehensive Health Research Center, CHRC, LA-REAL, CCAL, NOVA University Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal.
Portuguese Journal of Public Health
|August 7, 2026
Summary
Vertical HIV transmission in Angola is reduced by suppressed maternal viral load and adequate infant care. Key factors include timely antiretroviral therapy, regular antenatal visits, and C-section delivery.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Vertical transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) persists as a significant public health issue in Angola.
- Existing prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) programs require evaluation to address residual transmission.
- Understanding factors influencing vertical HIV transmission is crucial for enhancing PMTCT strategies in high-burden settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify factors associated with vertical HIV transmission among mother-infant pairs in a Luanda referral hospital.
- To inform targeted interventions for improving PMTCT program effectiveness in Angola.
Main Methods:
- An observational case-control study utilizing retrospective clinical and laboratory data from 2019-2024.
- Included 204 mother-infant pairs (68 cases, 136 controls), frequency-matched by infant birth year and maternal age.
- Multivariable logistic regression analysis was employed to determine independent predictors of vertical HIV transmission.
Main Results:
- Suppressed maternal viral load (aOR=0.07), adequate pediatric follow-up (aOR=0.08), and caesarean delivery (aOR=0.13) were significantly associated with lower odds of vertical HIV transmission.
- Maternal factors including age over 25, formal education, timely antiretroviral therapy initiation, and ≥4 antenatal consultations also correlated with reduced transmission.
- These findings highlight potential gaps in the PMTCT cascade contributing to ongoing vertical HIV transmission.
Conclusions:
- Gaps in the prevention of mother-to-child transmission cascade are linked to residual vertical HIV transmission in this Angolan referral setting.
- Strengthening virological monitoring, adherence support, and retention in care are critical for optimizing PMTCT services.
- While associations are identified, the observational design precludes causal inference; further research may be warranted.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Amebiasis
Entamoeba histolytica, a protozoan parasite, is responsible for intestinal and extraintestinal amebiasis. Though a significant proportion of infections remain asymptomatic, approximately 50 million individuals annually are estimated to present with clinical disease, resulting in up to 100,000 deaths globally. The disease burden is disproportionately high in regions with lower socioeconomic status, such as parts of India, Africa, Mexico, and Latin America.Etiology and TransmissionThe infective...
01:24Transmission of Pathogens
Pathogens spread from their reservoirs to susceptible hosts through three main routes: contact transmission, vehicle transmission, and vector transmission. Each route involves distinct mechanisms of transfer.Contact TransmissionThis category includes direct contact, indirect contact, and droplet transmission:Direct contact involves immediate physical interaction between individuals—such as a handshake—which can spread pathogens like Streptococcus pyogenes, the bacterium responsible for...
01:10Retrovirus Life Cycles
Retroviruses have a single-stranded RNA genome that undergoes a special form of replication. Once the retrovirus has entered the host cell, an enzyme called reverse transcriptase synthesizes double-stranded DNA from the retroviral RNA genome. This DNA copy of the genome is then integrated into the host’s genome inside the nucleus via an enzyme called integrase. Consequently, the retroviral genome is transcribed into RNA whenever the host’s genome is transcribed, allowing the retrovirus to...