The use of highly active antiretroviral therapy for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of the human immunodeficiency virus in Nigeria

Trends and predictors of mother-to-child transmission of HIV in an era of protocol changes: Findings from two large health facilities in North East Nigeria

BACKGROUND

Research studies have demonstrated a reduction in the risk of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (MTCT) to less than 2%, or 5% in non-breastfeeding and breastfeeding populations, respectively, with antiretroviral interventions. However, the risk of MTCT in routine health-facility settings, where service delivery is usually sub-optimal needs monitoring.

METHOD

We conducted a retrospective review of data from 2008-2014, in two health facilities in Adamawa State, Nigeria. Descriptive statistics were used to estimate overall MTCT rate and MTCT rate by year, and period of prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) protocol implementation. We conducted simple and multiple logistic-regression analyses, to identify predictors of MTCT.

RESULTS

Data from 1,651 mother-to-infant pairs, with HIV deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) polymerase-chain reaction (PCR) test results from 2008 (n = 49), 2009 (n = 246), 2010 (n = 280), 2011 (n = 335), 2012 (n = 290), 2013 (n = 225) and 2014 (n = 226) were analysed. The overall MTCT rate among HIV exposed infants (HEIs) was 9.7% (95% CI 8.3% - 11.1%) at a median age of 8 weeks (IQR = 6-20). The MTCT rate decreased from 14.3% (4.4%-24.2%) in 2008 to 4.9% (2.1%-7.7%) in 2014 (p = 0.016). The MTCT rate was the lowest (5.4% [3.7% - 7.0%]) when all pregnant women living with HIV received triple antiretroviral therapy, as treatment or prophylaxis (ARVT/P). Using the pooled data, we found that infant age, breastfeeding option, antiretroviral regimen and year were predictors of MTCT. The adjusted odds of MTCT were significantly higher, when neither mother nor HEI received ARVT/P (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 26.4 [14.0-49.8], and lower amongst infants born in 2012, compared with those born in 2008 (AOR 0.2 [0.0-1.0]).

CONCLUSION

The MTCT rate declined significantly between 2008 and 2014 in these two routine health-facility settings in Nigeria. Our study suggests that ARVT/P yields the lowest MTCT. Thus, efforts to scale up lifelong ARVT/P (Option B+) in Nigeria should be accelerated.

Neonatal Tetanus Immunity in Nigeria: The Effect of HIV Infection on Serum Levels and Transplacental Transfer of Antibodies

Background. Tetanus toxoid immunisation of pregnant mother has remained the most effective strategy in eliminating neonatal tetanus. Impaired production and/or transplacental transfer of antibodies may affect the effectiveness of this strategy. We studied the effect of maternal HIV infection on serum levels and transplacental transfer of anti-tetanus antibodies. Methods. A total of 162 mother-baby paired serum samples were taken and analysed for anti-tetanus antibody levels using ELISA. Maternal HIV status was also determined by double ELISA technique. Maternal TT vaccination status was also documented. Results. Thirty-eight (23.5%) mothers and 41 (25.3%) babies were seronegative, out of whom 8 mothers were HIV positive and 9 babies were HIV exposed. HIV infected mothers and HIV exposed infants were, respectively, 16.27 times (OR = 16.27, 95% CI = 3.28 to 80.61) and 33.75 times (OR = 33.75, 95% CI = 4.12 to 276.40) more likely to be seronegative for anti-tetanus antibody. Similarly, HIV positive mother-newborn pairs were 7.46 times more likely to have a poor transplacental transfer of tetanus antibodies (OR = 7.46, 95% CI = 1.96 to 28.41). Conclusions. Maternal HIV infection is associated with impaired maternofoetal transfer of anti-tetanus antibodies and seronegativity among mothers and their newborns. Hence, this may hinder efforts to eliminate neonatal tetanus.

HIV-free survival according to the early infant-feeding practices; a retrospective study in an anti-retroviral therapy programme in Makurdi, Nigeria

Background

In Nigeria, reports of the outcomes of prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) interventions had been limited to the MTCT rates of HIV, with no information on HIV-free survival (HFS) in the HIV-exposed infants over time.

Methods

A retrospective study between June 2008 and December 2011 at the Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi, Nigeria comparing HFS rates at 3 and 18 months according to the infant feeding pattern at the 6th week of life. HFS was assessed by Kaplan-Meier analysis and association of maternal and infant variables and risk of HIV acquisition or death was tested in a Cox regression analysis.

Results

801 HIV uninfected infants at 6 weeks of life were studied in accordance with their reported cumulative feeding pattern. This includes 196 infants on exclusive breast feeding (EBF); 544 on exclusive breast milk substitute (EBMS) feeding and 61 on mixed feeding (MF). The overall HFS was 94.4% at 3 months and this declined significantly to 87.1% at the 18 months of age (p-value = 0.000). The infants on MF had the lowest HFS rates of 75.7% at 3 months and 69.8% at 18 months. The HFS rate for infants on EBF was 97.4% at 3 months and 92.5% at 18 month whilst infants on EBMS had HFS of 99.1% at 3 months and 86.2% at 18 months. A higher and significant drop off in HFS at the two time points occurred between infants on EBMS (12.9%) compared to infants on EBF (4.9%), p-value of 0.002, but not between infants on MF (5.9%) and EBMS, p-value of 0.114 and those on MF and EBF, p-value of 0.758. In Cox regression multivariate analyses; MF, gestational age of ˂ 37 weeks, and a high pre-delivery maternal viral load were consistently associated with HIV infection or death at 3 months and 18 months (p ˂0.05).

Conclusion

For a better HFS in our setting; MF must be avoided, efforts to deliver babies at term in mothers with reduced viral load are advocated and EBF must be promoted as the safest and the most feasible mode of infant-feeding.

Virtual Elimination of Mother-to-Child Transmission of Human Immunodeficiency Virus in Mothers on Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy in Enugu, South-Eastern Nigeria

Background:

With the current World Health Organization (WHO) “Option B+” for prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), virtual elimination of mother to child transmission (eMTCT) is highly achievable.

Aim:

The aim of this study is to determine the rate of MTCT of HIV from mothers who started highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) for life from diagnosis during pregnancy to the exposed babies who had daily nevirapine in the first 6 weeks of life.

Subjects and Methods:

HIV positive mothers and their exposed babies who enrolled for the hospital PMTCT protocol from January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2011 were studied. The babies were tested for HIV using deoxyribo nucleic acid polymerase chain reaction test at 6 weeks, and then HIV rapid tests at 18 months.

Results:

A total of 5,946 booked mothers had HIV testing and counseling (HTC) within the study period. Two hundred and twenty-three (223/5946, 3.7%) were positive, out of which 188 (188/223, 84.3%) enrolled for the PMTCT interventions while 35 (35/223, 15.7%) did not enroll. Three of the enrollees were lost to follow up and two were referred to another PMCT center. Of the remaining 183 enrolled HIV positive mothers, one gave birth to a set of twins, giving a total of 184 exposed babies. There were two cases of intrauterine fetal death of unknown fetal HIV status. None of the 182 remaining babies evaluated for HIV testing tested positive to HIV.

Conclusions:

With adequate suppression of maternal viral replication with HAART using the WHO Option B+, eMTCT of HIV is achievable in a developing country like Nigeria where infant breastfeeding is a norm.

Can we prevent pediatric HIV? An experience at a tertiary care hospital

BACKGROUND

Parent-to-child transmission (PTCT) is the commonest mode of acquiring HIV in more than 90% children. The risk during pregnancy varies from 20 to 45% and with specific interventions in mother and baby; it can be reduced to less than 2%. This study was conducted to assess the efficacy of comprehensive PPTCT programme.

METHOD

This descriptive study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital, from Jan 2008 till Jul 2010. 32 HIV-positive pregnant mothers were enrolled in the study. They were evaluated, given triple drug antiretroviral therapy and followed up. Babies were given single dose nevirapine and zidovudine till 6 weeks of age. DNA-PCR was done for confirming the HIV status of baby.

RESULTS

The yearly period prevalence of pregnant mothers found HIV positive at antenatal clinic showed a downward trend, from 0.39% in 2008 to 0.18% in 2010. Mean CD4 count of mothers at diagnosis was 459.41 [SD - 238.37]. Twenty eight mothers (93.3%) received antiretroviral therapy. 15 (50%) babies were delivered by cesarean section and 26 infants were given replacement feeding. All the babies were singletons, 29 (96.7%) born at term with an average birth weight of 2.60 kg (SD = 0.5) and male to female ratio of 0.87:1. Twenty nine (96.7%) infants were declared HIV-negative and parent-to-child transmission rate at our center was 3.3%.

CONCLUSION

A comprehensive PPTCT programme with administration of antiretroviral therapy to the mother and infant, safe delivery practices, avoidance of breastfeeding, and close follow up, the incidence of PTCT can be reduced to negligible rates as seen in our study.

Clinical condition and transmission of coinfections with human cytomegalovirus in infants of HIV-1 infected mothers in the era of mother-to-child-transmission prophylaxis

BACKGROUND AND AIM

The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical state and the risk of coinfections in infants of HIV-1-infected women receiving MTCT prophylaxis.

METHODS

The study included 35 Polish infants of HIV-1-infected mothers diagnosed for congenital infections. Children were evaluated for HIV-1, HCMV and HCV infection by serological and molecular methods during following visits up to 18th month of life. None of the children received breast milk after birth.

RESULTS

HIV-1 infection was found in one child not receiving MTCT prophylaxis, one HCV infection was detected in another infant. HCMV-DNA in the urine was present in 13/35 children (37.14%) in the 10th day and 24/35 children (68.57%) at 4th week of life. The group of children managed with full and incomplete MTCT regimen did not differ in most clinical parameters. Children receiving MTCT prophylaxis were born more frequently as first children (p=0.045) and by cesarean section (p=0.047). HCMV-positive children receiving MTCT prophylaxis were had lower gestational age (p=0.03) and smaller head circumference (p=0.02). They were born more frequently as premature (0.02) and with low birth weight (0.02). Maternal cART and the use of protease inhibitors were not significantly associated with perinatal complications. No differences in CD4+ and CD8+ counts were noted between the group receiving full and incomplete MTCT protocol.

CONCLUSIONS

ARV used in MTCT preventive protocols is safe for infants although the risk of the transmission of HCMV coinfection is not reduced.

Missed opportunities to prevent mother-to-child-transmission: systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

To determine magnitude and reasons of loss to program and poor antiretroviral prophylaxis coverage in prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) programs in sub-Saharan Africa.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

We searched PubMed and Embase databases for PMTCT studies in sub-Saharan Africa published between January 2002 and March 2012. Outcomes were the percentage of pregnant women tested for HIV, initiating antiretroviral prophylaxis, having a CD4 cell count measured, and initiating antiretroviral combination therapy (cART) if eligible. In children outcomes were early infant diagnosis for HIV, and cART initiation. We combined data using random-effects meta-analysis and identified predictors of uptake of interventions.

RESULTS

Forty-four studies from 15 countries including 75,172 HIV-infected pregnant women were analyzed. HIV-testing uptake at antenatal care services was 94% [95% confidence intervals (CIs) 92-95%] for opt-out and 58% (95% CI 40-75%) for opt-in testing. Coverage with any antiretroviral prophylaxis was 70% (95% CI 64-76%) and 62% (95% CI 50-73%) of pregnant women eligible for cART received treatment. Sixty-four percent (95% CI 48-81%) of HIV exposed infants had early diagnosis performed and 55% (95% CI 36-74%) were tested between 12 and 18 months. Uptake of PMTCT interventions was improved if cART was provided at the antenatal clinic and if the male partner was involved.

CONCLUSION

In sub-Saharan Africa, uptake of PMTCT interventions and early infant diagnosis is unsatisfactory. An integrated family-centered approach seems to improve retention.

The experiences of HIV-positive women living in an African village: perceptions of voluntary counseling and testing programs

Kenya has approximately 1.4 million adults infected with HIV/AIDS, with a national prevalence rate of approximately 7.4%. The majority of the Kenyan people have not participated in a Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) program and do not know their HIV status. This increases the likelihood of infecting others and spreading the disease. The

PURPOSE

Living in fear, making the decision to be tested, the journey toward acceptance, changing behavior, planning for the future, and encouraging others to be tested. VCT programs are crucial in attaining goals related to the prevention and management of AIDS. By exploring these women's experiences and perceptions, issues concerning AIDS and the acceptance and use of VCT may be better understood.

Incidence and correlates of HIV-1 RNA detection in the breast milk of women receiving HAART for the prevention of HIV-1 transmission

BACKGROUND

The incidence and correlates of breast milk HIV-1 RNA detection were determined in intensively sampled women receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) for the prevention of mother-to-child HIV-1 transmission.

METHODS

Women initiated HAART at 34 weeks of pregnancy. Breast milk was collected every 2-5 days during 1 month postpartum for measurements of cell-associated HIV DNA and cell-free HIV RNA. Plasma and breast milk were also collected at 2 weeks, 1, 3 and 6 months for concurrent HIV-1 RNA and DNA measurements. Regression was used to identify cofactors for breast milk HIV-1 RNA detection.

RESULTS

Of 259 breast milk specimens from 25 women receiving HAART, 34 had detectable HIV-1 RNA (13%, incidence 1.4 episodes/100 person-days 95% CI = 0.97-1.9). Fourteen of 25 (56%) women had detectable breast milk HIV-1 RNA [mean 2.5 log(10) copies/ml (range 2.0-3.9)] at least once. HIV-1 DNA was consistently detected in breast milk cells despite HAART, and increased slowly over time, at a rate of approximately 1 copy/10(6) cells per day (p = 0.02). Baseline CD4, plasma viral load, HAART duration, and frequency of breast problems were similar in women with and without detectable breast milk HIV-1 RNA. Women with detectable breast milk HIV-1 RNA were more likely to be primiparous than women without (36% vs 0%, p = 0.05). Plasma HIV-1 RNA detection (OR = 9.0, 95%CI = 1.8-44) and plasma HIV-1 RNA levels (OR = 12, 95% CI = 2.5-56) were strongly associated with concurrent detection of breast milk HIV-1 RNA. However, no association was found between breast milk HIV-1 DNA level and concurrent breast milk HIV-1 RNA detection (OR = 0.96, 95%CI = 0.54-1.7).

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of women on HAART had episodic detection of breast milk HIV-1 RNA. Breast milk HIV-1 RNA detection was associated with systemic viral burden rather than breast milk HIV-1 DNA.

Cost-effectiveness of new WHO recommendations for prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV in a resource-limited setting

OBJECTIVE

Nigeria has high rates of mother-to-child HIV transmission. We sought to determine whether new WHO recommendations for long-course antiretroviral therapy (ART) prophylaxis are cost-effective for prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV compared to short-course strategies in Nigeria.

DESIGN

We conducted a cost-effectiveness analysis from a health-system perspective, with a target population consisting of HIV-infected pregnant women in Nigeria.

METHODS

A decision-analysis model compared two strategies for PMTCT: intervention – long-course maternal triple ART [zidovudine/lamivudine/efavirenz (ZDV/3TC/EFV)] beginning at 14 weeks gestation through the end of breastfeeding, with infant ART, per new WHO guidelines (option B); and minimal standard of care (MSOC) in Nigeria – short-course dual ART (ZDV/3TC) from 34 weeks gestation to 1 week postpartum, with single-dose nevirapine for infant and mother at labor/delivery. The primary outcomes were expected costs, pediatric HIV cases, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) accrued with each strategy; cost-effectiveness was represented using incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs).

RESULTS

If implemented at the level of antenatal coverage in Nigeria (58%), mother-to-child HIV transmission could be reduced to 16.1% with MSOC and 12.8% with the intervention. At current pregnancy rates, the intervention would prevent 7680 infant HIV cases and avert 230 400 DALYs annually, compared to MSOC. The average health-system cost of the intervention was US$ 401 per pregnancy compared to $293 per pregnancy with MSOC. The intervention was associated with an ICER of $113 per-DALY-averted compared to MSOC, and was highly cost-effective using a willingness-to-pay threshold of per-capita Nigerian GDP.

CONCLUSION

Implementation of new WHO recommendations for extended maternal and infant prophylaxis is highly cost-effective compared to short-course regimens for PMTCT of HIV in Nigeria.

Human cytomegalovirus infection and clinical status of infants born to human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infected mothers

OBJECTIVE

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is one of the most common congenital infections worldwide and a frequent opportunistic infection that aggravates the condition of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients. The aim of the study was to evaluate the frequency and factors influencing HCMV infection among infants of HIV-positive women.

METHODS

The study included 35 infants born to HIV-1-infected mothers examined for congenital infections. Children were evaluated for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), HCMV, and HCV infection by serological and molecular methods.

RESULTS

HIV-1 infection was found in one child whose mother did not receive antiretroviral treatment during pregnancy, and HCV infection in another infant. HCMV-DNA in the urine was present in 13/35 infants (37.14%) on the 10th day and 24/35 infants (68.57%) in the 4th week of life. The majority of HCMV-infected infants were asymptomatic, although they manifested microcephaly and low birth weight significantly more frequently (p = 0.006 and p = 0.02, respectively). Type HIV prophylaxis did not influence HCMV transmission.

CONCLUSIONS

Although often asymptomatic, HCMV infection in infants born to HIV-infected mothers is frequent and may be associated with prematurity, low birth weight, and microcephaly. Diagnostic procedures in children of HIV-infected mothers should involve HCMV.