Initial programmatic implementation of WHO option B in Botswana associated with increased projected MTCT

J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr. 2015 Mar 1;68(3):245-9. doi: 10.1097/QAI.0000000000000482.

Abstract

: Botswana was one of the first African countries to transition from WHO Option A to Option B for prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission (MTCT). We evaluated the impact of this transition on projected MTCT risk through review of 10,681 obstetric records of HIV-infected women delivering at 6 maternity wards. Compared with Option A, women receiving antenatal care under Option B were more likely to receive combination antiretroviral therapy (ART), adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 2.59 (95% confidence interval: 2.25 to 2.98), but they were also more likely to receive no antenatal antiretrovirals, aOR: 2.10 (95% confidence interval: 1.74 to 2.53). Consequently, initial implementation of Option B was associated with increased projected MTCT at 6 months of age, 3.79% under Option A and 4.69% under Option B (P < 0.001). Successful implementation of Option B or B+ may require that ART can be initiated within antenatal clinics, and novel strategies to remove barriers to rapid ART initiation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Retroviral Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active / methods*
  • Botswana
  • Cohort Studies
  • Drug Utilization
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / drug therapy*
  • HIV Infections / prevention & control*
  • HIV Infections / transmission
  • Humans
  • Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical / prevention & control*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Anti-Retroviral Agents