title: Vitamin A, mastitis, and mother-to-child transmission of HIV-1 through breast-feeding: current information and gaps in knowledge.
abstract: Mastitis has been implicated as a risk factor for mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV-1 through breast-feeding. Maternal vitamin A deficiency is also associated with increased MTCT, as well as with episodes of mastitis in lactating animals. This review describes the complex interrelationship between vitamin A, mastitis, and MTCT of HIV-1 via mothers' milk. Current gaps in knowledge, as well as recommendations for future research efforts, are also discussed.
authors.affiliation: Tufts University Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Boston, Massachusetts, USA. stephanie.m.dorosko@dartmouth.edu
authors.forename: Stephanie M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Dorosko
mesh_terms: D001942:Breast Feeding / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000635:transmission*; D015497:HIV-1; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D018445:Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008413:Mastitis / Q000821:virology*; D008895:Milk, Human / Q000821:virology; D014801:Vitamin A / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014802:Vitamin A Deficiency / Q000150:complications*
chemical_list: D014801:Vitamin A