(another old but relevant item, that I don't recall seeing posted on Lactnet.
Janice Reynolds)

Antiretroviral therapy reduces HIV transmission through breast milk

http://www.aidsmap.com/en/news/37FAC18C-BBF2-42F0-AD8F-5F48C16EB2AE.asp
Sunday, August 21, 2005

Treatment of HIV-positive breast-feeding mothers with antiretroviral therapy results in reduced viral loads in breast milk and anti-HIV drug levels sufficient to prevent HIV transmission, according to findings published in the 1st September edition of The Journal of Infectious Diseases. 

Although formula feeding is recommended for HIV-positive mothers in the developed world in order to avoid the risk of HIV transmission through breast milk, many mothers in developing countries breast-feed their babies due to the unavailability of milk formula or clean water, because of the elevated risk of disease and death in formula-fed children, or for cultural reasons. It is estimated that over 40% of all HIV transmissions from mothers to their children occur during breast-feeding 

The findings from this study suggest that HIV-positive women may be able to reduce the likelihood of transmitting the virus to their child by taking antiretrovirals during breast-feeding, at least where the drugs are available. 


(see link for full article)

Janice Reynolds

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