Effects of infant sex on mother-to-child transmission of HIV-1 according to timing of infection in Zimbabwe

AIDS. 2006 Oct 3;20(15):1981-4. doi: 10.1097/01.aids.0000247123.04703.6e.

Abstract

We examined the relationship between sex and the risk of intrauterine, intrapartum and postnatal HIV transmission among 4495 infants born to HIV-infected mothers in Harare, Zimbabwe. Intrauterine transmission was 8.6%, and consistent with other studies was higher among girl than boy infants (AOR 1.53; 95% CI 1.23-1.91). Unlike previous studies, we observed no independent effect of infant sex on intrapartum or breastfeeding-associated HIV transmission. Sex-specific postnatal prevention strategies are not warranted in this population.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Breast Feeding
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / transmission*
  • HIV-1*
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical
  • Male
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious*
  • Puerperal Infection
  • Risk Factors
  • Sex*
  • Zimbabwe