title: Prevention of human immunodeficiency virus breastmilk transmission with copper oxide: proof-of-concept study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) transmission through breastmilk is the chief modality through which HIV-1 is transmitted from HIV-1-infected mothers to their babies in developing countries, where alternative feeding options lack practical feasibility. The development of an approach to inactivate the HIV-1 virions ingested by an infant on a daily basis through breastmilk is thus of critical importance.
  
  
  METHODS
  Copper has potent virucidal properties. Stoichiometric concentrations of copper ions inactivate the HIV-1 protease, which is essential for viral replication. Cell-free and cell-associated HIV-1 infectivity is inhibited when the virus is exposed to copper oxide in a dose-dependent manner. Passage of high titers of a wide range of HIV-1 isolates, spiked in culture medium, through filters containing copper oxide powder resulted in their deactivation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In the current study, we demonstrate that the infectivity of three different HIV-1 isolates, spiked in breastmilk obtained from HIV-1-seronegative donors, or of wild-type isolates found in breastmilk obtained from HIV-1-seropositive donors, is drastically reduced (>98%) when exposed to copper oxide.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study is proof of concept that copper oxide is efficacious against HIV-1 found in breastmilk and serves as the basis for further research aimed at determining the possible effects that copper may have on the nutritional and anti-infective properties of breastmilk. Furthermore, this supports the continuing study of the feasibility of developing a filtering device, such as an "at-the-breast" disposable shield that can be used discreetly and safely by HIV-1-infected mothers during breastfeeding.
authors.affiliation: Cupron Scientific, Modi'in, Israel .
authors.forename: Gadi
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Borkow
authors.forename: Chandice Y
authors.initials: CY
authors.lastname: Covington
authors.forename: Bibha
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Gautam
authors.forename: Omu
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Anzala
authors.forename: Julius
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Oyugi
authors.forename: Meshack
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Juma
authors.forename: Mohamed S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Abdullah
mesh_terms: D001942:Breast Feeding / Q000009:adverse effects; D003300:Copper / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003906:Developing Countries; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D005374:Filtration / Q000295:instrumentation*; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D016333:HIV Protease / Q000378:metabolism; D015497:HIV-1 / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000201:enzymology / Q000472:pathogenicity; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D018445:Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008895:Milk, Human / Q000821:virology; D011208:Powders; D014131:Trace Elements / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D038301:Virus Inactivation / Q000187:drug effects; D014779:Virus Replication / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D011208:Powders; D014131:Trace Elements; D003300:Copper; D016333:HIV Protease; C514803:p16 protease, Human immunodeficiency virus 1; C000520:cuprous oxide