risk factors influencing transmission

Last reviewed 01/2018

Factors which influence the transmission of HIV from mothers to children include:

  • the clinical state of the mother, which itself can be related to the CD4 count
  • gestation at delivery - gestation less than 34 weeks is said to place the infant at higher risk
  • breastfeeding
  • instrumentation during delivery; elective caesarian section is said to be safest for the infant.