title: Vertical transmission of HIV-1: risks and prevention.
abstract: HIV can be transmitted from mother to child before, during, or after birth, but the relative contribution of each route remains unclear. Indirect evidence suggests that a substantial proportion of transmission occurs late in pregnancy or around the time of delivery. In Europe, the rate of vertical transmission is around 15-20% and is associated with maternal HIV status, mode of delivery and length of time from rupture of membranes, and breastfeeding. A number of interventions to reduce vertical transmission have been suggested including avoidance of breastfeeding, caesarean section delivery, disinfection of the birth canal, passive and active immunization, and anti-retroviral therapy. Several clinical trials to evaluate such approaches are ongoing or being planned. The costs of the various options are likely to limit implementation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Epidemiology, Institute of Child Health, London, UK.
authors.forename: M L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Newell
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D018445:Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical / Q000517:prevention & control; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000517:prevention & control; D012307:Risk Factors