LLLI Center for Breastfeeding Information

Journal Abstract of the Month for March 2001

AIDS 2001;15:379-87

Title: "Method of feeding and transmission of HIV-1 from mothers to children by 15 months of age: propsective cohort study from Durban, South Africa."

Author: Anna Coutsoudis, et al.,

In following up her exciting preliminary research on the risk of transmission of HIV from infected mothers to their infants, Anna Coutsoudis and her group have confirmed that exclusive breastfeeding results in no more risk of HIV infection over six months than those never breastfed. HIV detection was found to be greatest among those infants who were partially breastfed along with complementary artificial baby milks. There is considerable evidence that exclusive breast milk feeding has many advantages over mixed feeding. This study highlights the importance of interventions to improve the rates of exclusive breastfeeding, and gives mothers in developing countries a new choice to consider when faced with their options in how to feed their infants. 

Keywords:  Virus-Bacteria/Aids, Exclusive Breastfeeding, Drugs/Misc, WHO, HM/Immune Factors, Gut, Vitamin A, Prelacteal Feeds, Promotion, Developing Countries