HIV and Infant Feeding

HIV through mother-to-child transmission

breastfeeding
breastfeeding

 

 The Facts

 Without preventive interventions, approximately one-third of infants born to HIV-positive mothers contract HIV through mother-to-child transmission, becoming infected during their mothers' pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding. In 2001, 800,000 children under the age of 15 contracted HIV, over 90 per cent of them through mother-to-child transmission of HIV (MTCT). Between 15 and 25% of children born to HIV-infected mothers get infected with HIV during pregnancy or delivery, while about 15% of the children get infected through breastfeeding.

Factors that may decrease the risk of HIV transmission through breastfeeding include: 

Shorter duration of breastfeeding. The longer a child is breastfed by an HIV-positive mother the higher the risk of HIV infection. Breastfeeding for 6 months has about one third of the risk of breastfeeding for 2 years.

Exclusive breastfeeding in the early months. Some immunological studies are finding that there are factors in human milk, especially the milk of the the HIV-infected mother, that will directly combat the cells that contribute to the transmission of the HIV infection. A study done in Durban, South Africa showed that exclusive breastfeeding during the first 3 months of life resulted in a lower risk of MTCT than mixed feeding (breastfeeding combined with other foods, juices or water)

Prevention and treatment of breast problems. Mastitis and cracked nipples and other causes of breast inflammation are associated with an increased risk of HIV-transmission.

Prevention of HIV-infection during breastfeeding. The maternal viral load is higher shortly after a new infection resulting in an increased risk of infection of the child.
 
Early treatment of sores or thrush in the mouth of the infant. Sores in the infant's mouth make it easier for the virus to enter the infant's body.
The risk of HIV-infection has to be compared with the risk of morbidity and mortality due to not breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is protective against death from diarrhoea, respiratory and other infections, particularly in the first months of life. Breastfeeding also provides the necessary nutritional and related ingredients, as well as the stimulation necessary for good psychosocial and neurological development, and contributes to birth spacing.

Source Link: www.unicef.org
Location: United States

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Emerging Coronavirus Variant in the USA

  The New Twist in the Tale: A Look at the Emerging Coronavirus Variant in the USA The coronavirus, ever the shape-shifter, has thrown another curveball in the USA with the emergence of a new variant. As whispers ripple through news feeds and anxieties swirl on social media, let's take a deep dive into this new player on the scene, addressing all aspects to stay informed and navigate this evolving situation. The Unfamiliar Foe: While details about the new variant are still unfolding, initial reports suggest it carries certain mutations that raise concerns. These mutations might confer advantages like: Increased transmissibility: The variant may spread more easily, potentially leading to a rise in case numbers. Immune evasion: It could potentially bypass some of the immunity built through vaccination or previous infections. Increased severity: Early data might suggest potential for causing more severe illness, although this needs further investigation. The Curre...
Read more

Warning Signs of Breast Cancer

Image
 Warning Signs of Breast Cancer Signs of Breast Cancer   Many of the symptoms of breast cancer can also be symptoms of something else. Only your doctor can tell for sure. If you have any of these, make an appointment with your doctor. A lump in the breast or armpit Thickening of breast skin or tissue that lasts through your period A change in the size, shape, or contour of the breast Clear or bloody fluid coming from the nipple A change in how the skin on your breast or nipple looks or feels. It may look dimpled, puckered, scaly, or inflamed. Redness of your breast or nipple An area on your breast that clearly looks different from any other A hard, marble-like area under the skin Your doctor will do tests to find out the cause. He or she can give you the "all clear" or help you start treatment if the tests show you have cancer. Most breast lumps are not cancer. But if your doctor believes it is, it’s best to start treatment right away.  S...
Read more