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HIV Infection in Children Born Before and After Immigration to Belgium
1Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium.
Insights
HIV transmission in children is strongly linked to breastfeeding. This study found a 44% perinatal transmission rate, higher than other European studies, with breastfeeding identified as a key factor.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection poses a significant global health challenge, particularly in vertical transmission from mother to child.
- Understanding transmission dynamics is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies, especially in diverse populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the rates and modes of HIV transmission among children in Belgium, with a focus on those from Central African backgrounds.
- To identify key factors contributing to HIV transmission, including perinatal and breastfeeding routes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of medical records for 119 children exposed to or infected with HIV.
- Analysis of transmission routes: perinatal (mother-to-child), blood/blood product transfusion, and heterosexual contact.
- Comparison of clinical indicators (lymphadenopathy, IgG levels) between infected and non-infected children.
Main Results:
- The overall perinatal HIV transmission rate was 44%, exceeding rates reported in other European studies and aligning more closely with African studies.
- Breastfeeding was identified as a significant factor in HIV transmission.
- Infected children showed higher incidence of lymphadenopathy (86% vs. 16%) and elevated serum IgG levels in their first year of life.
Conclusions:
- HIV transmission is strongly associated with breastfeeding.
- The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions and support for HIV-infected mothers and children, particularly those from high-prevalence regions.
- Further research into optimizing prevention strategies for breastfeeding-related HIV transmission is warranted.
Abstract:
Methods: The records of 119 children, either infected with HIV or born to HIV-infected mothers were reviewed. This group was mainly represented by children whose families came to Belgium from Central Africa. Seven children were infected through blood or blood products transfusion, whereas the remaining 112 were born to infected mothers. Most of the latter were infected through heterosexual contacts. Results: The overall rate of perinatal transmission was 44%. The transmission rate observed in our population is higher than in other European studies and closer to African studies. Lymphadenopathy was observed in 86% of infected children versus 16% in noninfected children during the first year of life (p =.0002). Serum IgG level was higher in infected children than in noninfected children. Conclusions: HIV transmission is firmly related to breast feeding.