HIV: mother to child transmission, current knowledge and on-going studies

Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 1998 Dec:63 Suppl 1:S161-5. doi: 10.1016/s0020-7292(98)00200-8.

Abstract

It is estimated that approximately 6000 women of childbearing age, mostly living in the developing world, acquire HIV infection every day. Taking into account that approximately 98% of HIV infected children have acquired HIV from the mother, during pregnancy, at delivery or through breastfeeding, therefore, prevention of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) is a major health priority. Several studies have showed how MTCT of HIV may be prevented using antiretrovirals. Results from a study conducted in Thailand have also recently showed how a short oral zidovudine course during pregnancy and labor may reduce the risk of HIV transmission by approximately 50%. These findings represent a major challenge for the International Health Agencies and Organizations that will have the major obligation to provide HIV tests, counseling and antiviral drugs in settings with high HIV prevalence.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / drug therapy
  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / prevention & control
  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / transmission
  • Africa / epidemiology
  • Anti-HIV Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Asia, Southeastern / epidemiology
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Developing Countries
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / drug therapy*
  • HIV Infections / prevention & control
  • HIV Infections / transmission*
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical / prevention & control*
  • Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical / statistics & numerical data
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / therapy*

Substances

  • Anti-HIV Agents