HIV-1 infection in mothers and babies

Abstract

An increasing number of women worldwide are being reported with AIDS and since paediatric infection is closely linked to maternal infection it is not surprising that its prevalence parallels that of AIDS in women. In Africa, where heterosexual transmission is the major route of infection, approximately equal numbers of men and women are infected and paediatric HIV-1 infection is a major problem. It has been estimated by WHO that in 1987 alone over 20,000 HIV-1 infected infants had been born in Sub-Saharan Africa (Chin et al., 1989). On the other hand, in the USA and Europe, where infection in women is predominantly linked to intravenous drug use, about 10% of all cases of AIDS are among women and 2% among children. There is concern however, that the spread of HIV infection through heterosexual means is increasing (Centers for Disease Control 1990, WHO Collaborating Centre On Aids 1989).