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.
Ehrnst
A
A
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
Zetterström
R
R
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