Early diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus in infants of HIV-positive mothers at District Hospital of Commune IV of Bamako from 2018 to 2021

Abstract

Introduction
Objective : The aim of this work was to study the early diagnosis of HIV in infants born to HIV-positive mothers at the Centre de Santé de Référence de la commune IV de Bamako. Materials and Methods : This was a cross-sectional study using data from January 1, 2018 to October 31, 2021. It included all infants born to HIV-positive mothers who were delivered in the gynecology-obstetrics department and who had undergone at least one HIV diagnostic test as part of protection against mother-to-child transmission. Sampling was simple random. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0 software. Data confidentiality and anonymity were maintained. Results : A total of 215 infants born to HIV-positive mothers were included in the study. Diagnostic testing by polymerase chain reaction (PCR1) was performed in 2.3% (5 infants). The infants had received prophylactic treatment in 93.5% of cases. Sixty percent (60%) of HIV-positive infants were initially evaluated and started on antiretroviral therapy. Maternal HIV status was detected before pregnancy in 76.3%, during pregnancy in 14.4%, and at delivery in 9.3%. Late discovery of maternal positive status (p<0.0001). The duration of maternal antiretroviral treatment (p<0.0001) and maternal CD4 count (p=0.035) were factors associated with infant seropositivity. Conclusion : There is a need to increase systematic screening of all women seen in antenatal clinics or at delivery, and to ensure appropriate management