Breastfeeding and transmission of HIV-1: Epidemiology and global magnitude

Abstract

Over the past two decades, major strides have been made in HIV-1 research and prevention. Among these advances, some of the most remarkable and sustained achievements have been in reducing the risk of transmission of HIV-1 from mothers to their infants. In resource-rich settings such as the USA and Europe, mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV-1 has successfully been reduced to less than 1-2% [1] with the goal of virtual elimination of new cases. This success in prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV-1 has been achieved by widespread implementation of effective PMTCT antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimens, and obstetrical interventions as well as avoidance of breastfeeding through the use of infant formula. © 2012 Springer Science+Business Media New York.