If a mother is HIV+ and was on medications which would help her deliver a HIV negative baby, can the baby contract the HIV through her breast milk?
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1$\begingroup$ Hi there and welcome to biology.S.E. Currently the question is a bit unclear. To try to move this away from being to hypothetical, what medication is the mother taking? Also note that this site shouldn't be used to seek personal medical advice. $\endgroup$– JamesCommented Oct 23, 2015 at 7:29
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$\begingroup$ I am not seeking personal medical advice ,i was just curious to know.Thanks for the answer $\endgroup$– Anuj MehtaCommented Nov 3, 2015 at 7:22
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1 Answer
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In short, yes. Breast milk can contain virions which can be transferred from Mother-to-Child.
These are the guidelines from the National Institute of Health in the United States regarding the Prevention for Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV and how the prevent Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV After Birth
While the guidelines in the US are geared towards the fact that we have alternatives to breast milk, the World Health Organization has compiled evidence that suggests that Antiretroviral therapies along with exclusive breastfeeding may provide the most benefit for the health of the infant. This likely has to do with the access to suitable nutritional alternatives, clean water, and vaccines in developing countries, and in fact, it appears that mothers in wealthy countries that have HIV are advised not to breastfeed at all. This site outlines the different guidelines in place. The choice between breastfeeding and not in lesser developed countries has to do with the fact that the risk from waterborne illnesses and their impact on infant mortality rates is likely far greater than the risk of HIV transmission from mother to child through breastfeeding while both are on Antiretroviral therapy. The reason that exclusive breastfeeding is recommended is that it keeps the viral concentration in breast milk lower than if the baby was suckling only part of the time.
Italics in previous paragraph indicate an edit to the answer in order to clarify the reason why breastfeeding is recommended in lesser developed countries, even though it poses a risk for HIV transmission
Please note that these guidelines are in flux and as more evidence is obtained and as the virus mutates, things may change. It is always best to consult with a physician on the most current recommendations in the care of your infant if you are HIV+.
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$\begingroup$ Wow, I would never have expected a 'yes (maybe)' on this question... +1 $\endgroup$– AliceD ♦Commented Oct 23, 2015 at 10:41
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2$\begingroup$ @AliceD I think that we in the developed world forget that what works for us may be untenable for the rest of the world. The WHO guidelines are likely a lesser of two evils approach.... $\endgroup$– AMRCommented Oct 23, 2015 at 10:46
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2$\begingroup$ @AliceD Breastmilk is a really easy way to spread the virus, but part of the problem is that in many sub-Sarahan communities access to clean water is not reliable. Thus, the option frequently becomes a choice between breastfeeding and giving your child HIV, or mixing formula with water and giving your child life-threatening illnesses. Not good. $\endgroup$– AmoryCommented Oct 26, 2015 at 1:35
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1$\begingroup$ @Amory, my goodness, that is terrible. I never realized HIV to be transmitted orally via breastmilk. $\endgroup$– AliceD ♦Commented Oct 26, 2015 at 1:39
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$\begingroup$ @AliceD It's fairly efficacious too; transmission rate is somewhere around 20%, if not higher. Only birth (25%?) and blood transfusions (90%) are higher. $\endgroup$– AmoryCommented Oct 26, 2015 at 13:44