Parent to child transmission and infant feeding in HIV: Recent update

Mother to child transmission of HIV infection in India is known as parent to child transmission, which account for 6% of overall transmission in India. Without specific intervention the risk of transmission from mother to child is around 30–45% and highest transmission occurs during intrapartum period (60–70%). High plasma viral load, low CD4 counts, chorioamnionitis, premature rupture of membrane, mixed feeding increase the chance of transmission. A preventive measure like antiretroviral therapy is important. According to WHO (2009) guideline pregnant women with confirmed HIV status, anti-retroviral therapy (ART) should be started when CD4 count is ≤ 350 cells/mm3, irrespective of WHO clinical staging and in women in WHO clinical stage 3 or 4, irrespective of CD4 count. In developing countries like India exclusive breast feeding for the first six months is important.