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Updated: Aug 18, 2026

Ex Vivo Infection of Human Lymphoid Tissue and Female Genital Mucosa with Human Immunodeficiency Virus 1 and Histoculture
Published on: October 12, 2018
Vertical transmission of HIV-1: risks and prevention
1Department of Epidemiology, Institute of Child Health, London, UK.
Abstract:
HIV can be transmitted from mother to child before, during, or after birth, but the relative contribution of each route remains unclear. Indirect evidence suggests that a substantial proportion of transmission occurs late in pregnancy or around the time of delivery. In Europe, the rate of vertical transmission is around 15-20% and is associated with maternal HIV status, mode of delivery and length of time from rupture of membranes, and breastfeeding. A number of interventions to reduce vertical transmission have been suggested including avoidance of breastfeeding, caesarean section delivery, disinfection of the birth canal, passive and active immunization, and anti-retroviral therapy. Several clinical trials to evaluate such approaches are ongoing or being planned. The costs of the various options are likely to limit implementation.
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