Tene G, Tietche F, Ayouba A, Nerrienet E, Tejiokem M, Kago I, Thonnon J, Lobe MM; International Conference on AIDS.

Int Conf AIDS. 2002 Jul 7-12; 14: abstract no. ThPeB7231.

Fondation C Biya, Yaounde, Cameroon

BACKGROUND: A program for the reduction of mother to child transmission of HIV based on HIVNET 012 protocol has been going on in the MCC of CBF since January 2000. Babies born within the framework of this program are followed up. We present an analysis of the results got so far. METHODS: This longitudinal study started in June 2000. HIV seropositive mothers' babies are included from birth. The follow up of babies is scheduled over a period of 18 months, initially on monthly basis, three monthly thereafter. It comprises: complete clinical examination, monitoring of growth, psychomotor development, vaccinations, looking for pathologies, side effects of Nevirapine, the assessment of HIV viral load at 6 weeks, 6 months and HIV serology by Elisa at 18 months. RESULTS: 136 babies have been included so far. 103 HIV viral loads were performed at 6 weeks out of which 13 babies were shown to be HIV contaminated while 72 others did not. The remaining 20 babies had uncertain results. These will be made clearer after the 6 months viral load assessment and the 18 months serology. The transmission rate therefore is comprised between 7.2 and 20.1% at 95% C.I. There was no significant difference between mothers who had transmitted the virus and those who had not concerning the CD4 count (p = 0.5), the duration of the rupture of membrane (p = 0.29). On the contrary, the following clinical features were significantly different between infected and non infected babies: thrush (p = 0.0005), skin diseases (p = 0.00007), respiratory infections (p = 0.0024), recurrent fever during mother's pregnancy (p=0.045). These could indicate a higher proportion of severe, rapidly evolving forms of the disease for which babies contamination took place early in pregnancy. CONCLUSION: At the age of 6 weeks, HIV mother to child transmission rate is comprised between 7.2 and 20.1% at 95% I.C. in our study. Rapidly evolving forms of the disease seem to be common among our babies.

Publication Types:

• Meeting Abstracts

Keywords:

• Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
• Cameroon
• Child
• Female
• HIV Infections
• HIV Seropositivity
• Humans
• Infant
• Infant, Newborn
• Longitudinal Studies
• Mothers
• Nevirapine
• Pregnancy
• Viral Load

Other ID:

• GWAIDS0015729

UI: 102253227

From Meeting Abstracts