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Doctoral Thesis | Biological Sciences | Chad | Volume 12 Issue 9, September 2023
Early Diagnosis of HIV-1 to Newborns Born from Mothers on Antiretroviral Treatment in Chad: A Prospective Study Using Real-Time PCR in Chad
Fabienne Byakzabo Chinka | Hassan Mahamat Ali | Bakarnga-Via Issakou | Brahim Boy Otchom | Foumsou Lhagadang [2]
Abstract: Introduction: AIDS is the fourth leading cause of death worldwide. The majority of those infected are young adults, and young women are a particularly vulnerable group. In HIV-1-infected pregnant women, biological monitoring is essential for the management of HIV-1 infection and the prevention of mother-to-child transmission. Diagnosis of HIV infection by PCR makes it possible to identify infected children born to HIV-positive mothers and to start early treatment to avoid the risk of mortality. Methodology: The aim of our study was to use PCR to diagnose children born to HIV-1 mothers undergoing antiretroviral treatment in Chad. We carried out a prospective descriptive cross-sectional study from June 2021 to January 2023 on 185 women on antiretroviral treatment. For this study, we used the molecular technique with an HIV-1 expert gene device. Results: 185 pregnant women on ARV treatment and 183 newborns were registered. In this sample, mothers in the 20-30 age group were the most represented, with a frequency of 53.3%. Married women were in the majority with a proportion of 71.4%, and 27.6% of women had a secondary education. Analysis of the type of ARV treatment showed that 74.32% were on dolutegravir. The rate of TCD4 lymphocytes below 200 cells/mm3 at initiation was 16.8%. By the sixth month, a remarkable immune recovery had been achieved, with 96.2% of the TCD4 lymphocyte count greater than or equal to 500 cells/mm3 up to M12. We recorded 68.24% of subjects with undetectable viral load results (<40 copies/ml) after nine months of treatment. PCR diagnosis revealed 13 positive results, representing a transmission rate of 7.0%, compared with 78.9% of negative results. Conclusion: This study enabled us to make an early diagnosis by real-time PCR of children born to HIV-1-positive mothers on antiretrovirals, with a view to reducing residual transmission. In addition, good compliance with ARV treatment can render the viral load undetectable and could reduce mother-to-child transmission of HIV.
Keywords: HIV, mothers, Newborns, Antiretroviral, Chad
Edition: Volume 12 Issue 9, September 2023,
Pages: 1089 - 1093