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Vertical transmission of HIV‐1 infection and dilemma of infant feeding
Author(s) -
Ehrnst A,
Zetterström R
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
acta pædiatrica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.772
H-Index - 115
eISSN - 1651-2227
pISSN - 0803-5253
DOI - 10.1111/j.1651-2227.2003.tb02560.x
Subject(s) - breastfeeding , medicine , dilemma , infant feeding , transmission (telecommunications) , formula feeding , human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) , pediatrics , breast feeding , infant formula , infant nutrition , environmental health , family medicine , population , research methodology , philosophy , epistemology , electrical engineering , engineering
The problem of giving proper recommendations on early feeding of infants of HIV‐1‐positive mothers in countries with deficient hygienic conditions is discussed. Even in exclusive breastfeeding, which is associated with a lower risk of HIV transmission than when supplements are given, the risk that the infant will acquire HIV‐1 has to be balanced against the risk of formula feeding. Furthermore, it also has to be stressed that exclusive breastfeeding is a rarity in many poor countries. Conclusion : The dilemma of recommending appropriate early feeding to HIV‐1‐positive mothers will persist until further studies of the type performed by the Coutsoudis group in South Africa have been performed.