Very interesting article in the Lancet today about the risk of HIV transmission in relation to infant feeding method. "Influence of infant-feeding patterns on early mother-to-child transmission of HIV-1 in Durban, South Africa: a prospective cohort study, by Anna Coutsoudis et al The proportions of HIV-1-infected infants at 3 months (estimated by use of Kaplan-Meier life tables) were compared in the three different feeding groups (exclusive breastfeeding, mixed feeding (breast/formula) and formula). After adjustment for potential confounders (maternal CD4-cell/CD8-cell ratio, syphilis screening test results, and preterm delivery), exclusive breastfeeding carried a significantly lower risk of HIV-1 transmission than mixed feeding (hazard ratio 0·52 [0·28-0·98]) and a similar risk to no breastfeeding (0·85 [0·51-1·42]). From the conclusion: "We used an early endpoint because early weaning is thought to retain the benefits of breastfeeding while lowering the risk of HIV-1 transmission. Models have estimated that the best time for early weaning is 3 months.20 A possible recommendation is for exclusive breastfeeding with early weaning. In addition, the benefits of breastfeeding are particularly important in the first 3 months of life. Finally, there is an urgent need to supplement existing inadequate data on HIV-1 transmission through breastfeeding. Our data can strengthen current UNAIDS policies on HIV-1 and breastfeeding without requiring any policy changes because exclusive breastfeeding is the existing recommendation for all women. All that is required is a change in emphasis. " Josefine (Jose) Wendel, MS, RD Cambridge, MA *********************************************** The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM) mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html