Prevalence of HIV-1 DNA and p24 antigen in breast milk and correlation with maternal factors.
Breast milk specimens from human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-seropositive and HIV-1-seronegative women were examined for the presence of HIV-1 p24 antigen by the antigen capture method and for viral DNA using the polymerase chain reaction. HIV-1 DNA was present in 70% of milk specimens collected from 47 HIV-seropositive women 0-4 days after delivery and in approximately 50% of specimens collected 6 and 12 months postpartum. p24 antigen, present in 24% of milk specimens collected from 37 seropositive women within the first 4 days postpartum, was not detected in any of the subsequent specimens. The presence of HIV-1 DNA or p24 antigen in milk was not significantly associated with maternal CD4 lymphocyte count, beta 2-microglobulin level, or fulfillment of the AIDS clinical case definition. Although the correlation of either HIV-1 proviral DNA or p24 antigen with the presence of infectious virus is not known, these data indicate the need for additional studies examining the role of breastfeeding in maternal-infant transmission of HIV-1.
Ruff
A J
AJ
Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins University School of Hygiene and Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205.
Coberly
J
J
Halsey
N A
NA
Boulos
R
R
Desormeaux
J
J
Burnley
A
A
Joseph
D J
DJ
McBrien
M
M
Quinn
T
T
Losikoff
P
P
D001942:Breast Feeding; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000032:analysis*; D005260:Female; D016655:HIV Core Protein p24 / Q000032:analysis* / Q000097:blood; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000382:microbiology / Q000635:transmission*; D006679:HIV Seropositivity / Q000097:blood / Q000382:microbiology; D015497:HIV-1 / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008895:Milk, Human / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology*; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D049590:Postpartum Period; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin / Q000032:analysis
D004279:DNA, Viral; D016655:HIV Core Protein p24; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin