Similar birthweight in children born to HIV-2 infected and HIV-negative women in Guinea-Bissau

The impact of HIV-1 on child health and mortality in Africa has been demonstrated in many studies. Overall reported rates of mother-to-child transmission of HIV-1 range from 13% to 48%. Studies on vertical transmission of HIV-2 are limited but available data suggest that it is rare and occurs in < 5%. Birthweight is an important determinant of child survival in Africa and studies have shown significantly decreased birthweight in children born to HIV-1-seropositive mothers compared with seronegative controls whereas in industrialized countries only marginal differences have been observed. In a study from Rwanda which also took into consideration HIV-status of the newborn only HIV-infected children had lower birthweight and uninfected children born to HIV-infected mothers had similar birthweights as children born to HIV-negative mothers. Only one study has previously described the effect of maternal HIV-2 infection on the birthweight of the offspring but in a limited number of infants. (excerpt)