VERTICAL TRANSMISSION OF HIV-INFECTION

Transmission of HIV infection from mother to child may occur before, d uring or after delivery. Estimates of the rate of vertical transmissio n range from 15-20% in Europe to 25-35% in Africa. Mother-to-child tra nsmission is associated with progression of disease in the mother, sev ere prematurity and breastfeeding. The association with mode of delive ry needs further investigation. Attention is now being given to interv ention to reduce mother-to-child transmission of HIV infection.