The global reach of HIV: preventing mother-to-child transmission

This article focuses on the effects of the worldwide human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic on the lives of pregnant women and their infants in the developing world. It discusses the natural history of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) in HIV, including the role of breastfeeding and the effectiveness of various treatment/prevention schemes in resource-poor communities. Although the treatment schemes are not the same as those used in North America, the underlying principles of transmission are the same. Understanding the mechanisms of MTCT and recognizing the benefits of even short-term therapies can promote appropriate interventions when complete perinatal antiretroviral therapy is impossible.