HIV-1 seropositive women in the Philippines: pregnancy outcome and perinatal transmission of HIV-1.

Over 80% of pediatric AIDS cases in the US stem from perinatal HIV-1 infection. This study investigates perinatal HIV-1 transmission in the Philippines. Annual surveillance studies were initiated in 1985 to monitor the incidence and prevalence of HIV-1 infection in female prostitutes registered through the Social Hygiene Clinic System of the Philippine Department of Health. The study sample consists of all seropositive women identified in the surveys who could be contacted. 54 of these HIV-1 seropositive women aged 18-35 had undergone interviews and examinations at regular 3-months intervals by September 1990. Examinations assessed both womens clinical and immunological statuses. 26 of these women had 37 pregnancies. Pregnancies were either aborted or resulted in premature and term deliveries. 12 children were carried to term and delivered. One of these children died while 8 others developed nonspecific findings suggestive of HIV infection. Most children were found to be HIV-1 antibody positive by Western blot test during the neonatal period. 3 children followed for 20 months of longer reverted from seropositive to seronegative status; test results remained indeterminate for 2 children followed for 24 months or longer while status determinations have yet to be made for 4 children who were followed for 12 months or less. A clear potential therefore exists for perinatal HIV transmission to occur among these women.