Reduced HIV transmission at subsequent pregnancy in a resource-poor setting
Gumbo, F.Z.; Kandawasvika, G.Q.; Duri, K.; Mapingure, M.P.; Kurewa, N.E.; Nathoo, K.; Rusakaniko, S.; Chirenje, M.Z.; Stray-Pedersen, B.
Tropical Doctor 41(3): 132-135
2011
ISSN/ISBN: 1758-1133 PMID: 21576348 DOI: 10.1258/td.2011.100458Document Number: 226531
Several studies indicate that HIV-infected women continue to have children. We set out to determine the trend in HIV transmission at subsequent pregnancies. From 2002-2003, pregnant women were enrolled in a single dose nevirapine-based Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV (PMTCT) programme. Six years later, women with subsequent children in this cohort were identified and their children's HIV status determined. From 330 identified HIV-infected mothers, 73 had second/subsequent children with HIV results. Of these, nine (12.3%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.6-20.1%) children were HIV-infected. Of the 73 second children, 51 had older siblings who had been initially enrolled in the study with definitive HIV results with an infection rate of 17/51 (33.3%, 95% CI: 19.9-46.7). About 35% of the women had been on antiretroviral drugs. These results demonstrate lower subsequent HIV transmission rates in women on a national PMTCT programme in a resource-poor setting with the advent of antiretroviral therapy.