ABSTRACT
Transmission of HIV-1 from an infected mother to her infant is the major route of transmission of this infection for children. In sub-saharan Africa where heterosexual transmission of HIV is the commonest mode of spread; high prevalence of HIV infection in women of child bearing age is bound to lead to increased paediatric AIDS as a result of vertical transmission. In recognising these epidemiological factors; the University of Nairobi HIV-1 Perinatal Transmission and Paediatric AIDS Project was initiated in 1986. Antenatal mothers attending Pumwani Maternity Hospital were enrolled during labour and screened for HIV-1 infection by ELISA. Those reacting positive were recruited to participate in the study. An equal number of negative controls were also recruited. The mothers and babies of both groups were followed for varying periods over the next five years. A total of 360 babies born to HIV infected mothers and 360 babies born to HIV negative mothers were examined. The mortality rate observed in the HIV-1 exposed was substantially higher than that observed in controls (RR2.8; 95CI1.3-6.1). Common causes of death among infected infants were pneumonia; measles; malaria; gastroenteritis; tuberculosis and spticaemia. The five year survival was 85 among HIV infected children. Maternal risk factors associated with transmission were marital status; duration of sexual activity and age at first intercourse