HIV+ Pregnant Women and Antiretroviral Treatment

A Viral Biorealm page on the family HIV+ Pregnant Women and Antiretroviral Treatment

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has been a global epidemic for over 30 years. If untreated, HIV progresses to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), which is almost surely fatal. Approximately 33 million people worldwide are infected with HIV [1]. HIV is transmitted by multiple methods; sexually, via contact with contaminated blood, and from mother to child in utero being the primary ones [2].

Pharmaceutical advertisement for reducing mother-to-child-transmission.[1].

At least half of the global HIV+ population are female. Women of child-bearing age must consider their options for preventing viral transmission to their children. Mother to child transmission (MTCT) has been a topic of great research and, by following guidelines, it is now possible for an HIV+ mother can have an HIV- child. In well-resourced countries the rate of MTCT is <1% [3]. In poorly-resourced countries the rate of MTCT is decreasing but still hovers around 35% [5]. Worldwide access to pharmaceuticals and healthcare are critical in reducing MTCT. Eliminating MTCT is a priority as it makes possible ending the perpetuation HIV/AIDS between generations and brings us a large step closer to ending the HIV epidemic.

There are five main criteria for a successful HIV- pregnancy: 1) antiretroviral therapy for the mother, 2) semen washing (if the father is HIV+), 3) alternative insemination, 4) specialized obstetrical care (usually including a caesarian section), and 5) formula feeding. Access to all five of these criteria is what determines a low rate of MTCT. Of these criteria, antiretroviral therapy for the mother is the most effective in reducing MTCT [4].

Even more than in regards to other HIV+ patients, antiretroviral regimens for pregnant women must be especially carefully considered. The woman will be on ARV's for the duration of her pregnancy, exposing the vulnerable and developing fetus to a high concentration of drugs for a prolonged period of time. Drugs considered suitable for HIV+ patients may not be safe for a pregnant women.

Zidovudine

The molecular structure of Zidovudine. [2].

Zidovudine (ZDV), also known as azidothymidine (AZT) is a nucleoside reverse-transcriptor inhibitor (NRTI) widely used as antiretroviral therapy [7]. First made in 1964 for cancer treatment, ZDV was the first ARV available and is known as one of the most effective pharmaceuticals in history [8]. Zidovudine is also the drug most commonly prescribed, and is still the only one licensed specifically for use in HIV+ pregnant women [3].

Newly Available ARVs

Sociological Differences in Treatment Objectives

Side Effects for the Mother

Side Effects for the Child

The Impact of Formula Feeding

Gallus gallus domesticus showing obvious signs of late-stage CAV infection. [3].

The Future of MTCT

References

[1] Barton-Knott, Sophie. 2011. Nearly 50% of People Who are Eligible for Antiretroviral Therapy Now Have Access to Lifesaving Treatment. UNAIDS press release. http://www.unaids.org/en/resources/presscentre/pressreleaseandstatementarchive/2011/november/20111121wad2011report/.

[2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2010. HIV Transmission. http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/resources/qa/transmission.htm.

[3] Foster, C., H. Lyall, B, Olmscheid, G. Pearce, S. Zhang and D. Gibb. 2009. Tenofovir Disproxil Fumarate in Pregnancy and Prevention of Mother-to-Child-Transmission of HIV-1: Is it Time to Move on From Zidovudine? HIV Medicine. 10: 397-406.

[4] Giaquinto, C., E. Ruga, D. Rossi, I. Grosch-Worner, J. Mok, I. Jose, I. Bates, F. Hawkins, C. Guevara, J. Pena, J. Garcia, J. Lopez, M. Garcia-Rodriguez, F. Asensi-Botet, M. Otero and D. Perez-Tamarit. 2005. Mother-to-Child-Transmission of HIV Infection in the Era of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy. Clinical Infectious Diseases. 40: 458-465.

[5] Onyango, Rosebella O. 2006. Mother-To-Child Transmission of HIV/AIDS. Towards Unity for Health Women and Health Taskforce. Maseno University, Maseno Kenya.

[6] Shacklett, B. and R. Greenblatt. 2011. Immune Responses of HIV in the Female Reproductive Tract, Immunologic Parallels with the Gastrointestinal Tract, and Research Implications. American Journal of Reproductive Immunology. 65: 230-241.

[7] Broder, Samuel. 2009. The Development of Antiretroviral Therapy and its impact on the HIV-1/AIDS Pandemic. Antiviral Research. 85: 1. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2815149/pdf/nihms153574.pdf

[8] "A Failure Led to Drug Against Aids." The New York Times. September 20, 1996. http://www.nytimes.com/1986/09/20/us/a-failure-led-to-drug-against-aids.html

Page authored by Ellen Gaglione for BIOL 375 Virology, September 2010