Vertical transmission of HIV-1 infection and dilemma of infant feeding.
The problem of giving proper recommendations on early feeding of infants of HIV-1-positive mothers in countries with deficient hygienic conditions is discussed. Even in exclusive breastfeeding, which is associated with a lower risk of HIV transmission than when supplements are given, the risk that the infant will acquire HIV-1 has to be balanced against the risk of formula feeding. Furthermore, it also has to be stressed that exclusive breastfeeding is a rarity in many poor countries.


CONCLUSIONS
The dilemma of recommending appropriate early feeding to HIV-1-positive mothers will persist until further studies of the type performed by the Coutsoudis group in South Africa have been performed.
Microbiology and Tumour Biology Centre, and the Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Pathology, Division of Clinical Virology, Huddinge University Hospital, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden. anneka.ehrnst@mtc.ki.se
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Ehrnst
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Zetterström
D001942:Breast Feeding; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000635:transmission*; D006801:Humans; D007225:Infant Food; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D018445:Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical / Q000517:prevention & control; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious