Maternal ART Reduces Transmission of HIV through Breast-Feeding

In a study conducted in Botswana (and reported at IAS 2009), the rate of mother-to-child transmission was only 1% among breast-feeding women who received ART through 6 months postpartum.

Strategies are available to prevent HIV transmission during pregnancy and delivery, but less is known about reducing risk during breast-feeding. Now, data from the Mma Bana study — presented by Roger Shapiro and colleagues at the 5th IAS Conference on HIV Pathogenesis, Treatment and Prevention [Abstract WELBB101] — point to a possible intervention.

The study involved 730 HIV-infected women in Botswana who were pregnant at the time of enrollment and planned to breast-feed. Those with CD4 counts ≥200 cells/mm³ were randomized to receive AZT/3TC/abacavir (Trizivir) or AZT/3TC (Combivir) + lopinavir/ritonavir from the third trimester through planned weaning at 6 months postpartum. Those with CD4 counts <200 cells/mm³ received AZT/3TC + nevirapin…

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Judith Feinberg, MD

Maternal ART Reduces Transmission of HIV through Breast-Feeding

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