Survival pattern among infants born to human immunodeficiency virus type-1 infected mothers and uninfected mothers in Harare, Zimbabwe.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) rate of HIV-1 and to compare the survival patterns among infants born to HIV-1 infected and seronegative mothers.


METHODS
A two year prospective study from 1991 to 1995.


METHODS
345 HIV-1 infected mothers and 351 seronegative mothers and their infants were examined at regular intervals up to 24 months of age.


RESULTS
The intermediate estimate of MTCT rate of HIV-1 was found to be 31.9%; (95% confidence interval (CI) 26.9 to 37.1). Of infants born to HIV-1 infected mothers 17% died compared with 2% of infants born to seronegative mothers. Forty six (43%) of the 107 HIV-1 infected infants died compared with 16 (219%) of the 559 uninfected infants. In a multivariate analysis, risk factors independently associated with infant mortality were low birth weight (hazard ratio (HR) 2.80; CI 1.52 to 5.13), HIV infected infant (HR 10.50; CI 5.48 to 20.15), HIV infected mother (HR 3.23; CI 3.17 to 15.85) and maternal death (HR 2.77; CI (1.09 to 7.06).


CONCLUSIONS
The estimated MTCT rate of HIV-1 is comparable with rates of 25% to 45% reported from the African region. The poor survival of HIV-1 infected infants indicates the necessity for effective and comprehensive HIV/AIDS control strategies in Zimbabwe.
Nathoo
Kj
K
Department of Paediatics and Child Health, University of Zimbabwe, Medical School, PO Box A178, Avondale, Harare, Zimbabwe. knathoo@healthnet.zw
Rusakaniko
S
S
Zijenah
L S
LS
Kasule
J
J
Mahomed
K
K
Mashu
A
A
Choto
Rg
R
Mbizvo
Mt
M
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000401:mortality*; D015497:HIV-1; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D018445:Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000453:epidemiology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016019:Survival Analysis; D015030:Zimbabwe / Q000453:epidemiology