Acquired Rectovaginal Fistula in Babies of Unknown and Asymptomatic Retroviral Positive Mothers

BackgroundAcquired rectovaginal fistulae managed in three babies of asymptomatic mothers not known to be retroviral positive are presented to heighten clinician suspicion of HIV infection in babies with unexplained cause of acquired rectogenital fistula in regions where routine antenatal HIV screening is not adopted.CasesBetween 2004 and 2008, three babies aged 6, 10, and 11 months with rectovaginal fistula secondary to perinatal HIV transfer from unknown and asymptomatic positive mothers were managed at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Nigeria. Screening of the mothers confirmed the infection, and multidisciplinary approach to treatment, prompt antiretroviral regimen, use of broad spectrum antibiotics, and surgical management gave encouraging results.ConclusionRoutine antenatal screening and suspicion of HIV infection in babies with unexplained cause of acquired rectovaginal fistula is advocated.