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Review
. 2024 Dec;51(4):783-799.
doi: 10.1016/j.clp.2024.08.001. Epub 2024 Sep 23.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Breastfeeding: Clinical Considerations and Mechanisms of Transmission in the Modern Era of Combined Antiretroviral Therapy

Jenna S Powers  1 , Medrine Kihanga  2 , Lisa Marie Cranmer  3
Affiliations
Review

Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Breastfeeding: Clinical Considerations and Mechanisms of Transmission in the Modern Era of Combined Antiretroviral Therapy

Jenna S Powers et al. Clin Perinatol. 2024 Dec.

Abstract

Combined antiretroviral therapy has significantly reduced perinatal human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission risk through breastfeeding, prompting shifts in clinical guidance to support breastfeeding for women with HIV who have sustained viral suppression. This review examines the current evidence on HIV transmission via breast milk, including risk factors, mechanisms, and risk reduction strategies to inform patient-centered and evidence-driven clinical care.

Keywords: Antiretroviral therapy (ART); Breastfeeding; HIV; Risk reduction.

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Conflict of interest statement

Disclosure All authors declare no financial conflicts of interest.

References

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