Maternal-fetal DNA admixture is associated with intrapartum mother-to-child transmission of HIV-1 in Blantyre, Malawi.
BACKGROUND
The mechanism of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV-1 is not well described.


METHODS
Of 328 HIV-infected mother-infant pairs, we identified 91 that had discordant angiotensin I-converting enzyme and glutathione S-transferase M1 alleles. Maternal alleles in cord blood were quantified with real-time polymerase chain reaction, as indicators of microtransfusions.


RESULTS
HIV-1 infected infants had more maternal DNA in cord blood than their uninfected counterparts. Increased maternal DNA in cord blood was associated with preterm delivery, low birth weight, and maternal immunosuppression.


CONCLUSIONS
Intrapartum MTCT was associated with placental microtransfusions. The associations among placental microtransfusion, in-utero MTCT, maternal immunosuppression, and poor birth outcome should be further investigated.
Kwiek
Jesse J
JJ
Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
Arney
Leslie A
LA
Harawa
Visopo
V
Pedersen
Bonnie
B
Mwapasa
Victor
V
Rogerson
Stephen J
SJ
Meshnick
Steven R
SR
D000483:Alleles; D004247:DNA / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification; D005260:Female; D005312:Fetal Blood / Q000737:chemistry; D005982:Glutathione Transferase / Q000235:genetics; D006678:HIV; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000235:genetics / Q000635:transmission* / Q000821:virology*; D015497:HIV-1 / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D018445:Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical; D008295:Malawi; D009035:Mothers; D007703:Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A / Q000235:genetics; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious
D004247:DNA; D005982:Glutathione Transferase; D007703:Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A