Vertical Transmission Rate of HIV from Seropositive Mothers Followed in the Different Care Centers in Kinshasa from 2010 to 2015

Abstract

Background: In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the use of Prevention of Transmission of Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection from mother to child is still very low. Objective: The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of infants born from HIV-positive mother in different centers in Kinshasa. Methods: This study is a retrospective cohort of at least 2 years on the records of mother-child couple followed in 8 centers of Kinshasa. Based on a sample survey form with specific criteria, some files were selected. Results: The record keeping of all centers was estimated at 70% on average; the most represented age group was from 26 to 35 years with 102 women (54%) out of 190. Forty-five percent (45%) of pregnant women started pre-natal consultation (CPN) in the 2nd trimester of pregnancy. All mothers had been diagnosed with 3 Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDT). The majority of women were under: AZT 3TC NVP and CTX and 139 (73%) women were diagnosed at stage 1 of HIV infection according to WHO’s standard. One hundred new born were male. Seventy-eight newborns weighed between 2.01 and 3.00 kg at birth. Ninety seven percent of newborns were treated at birth. Ninety-one children who were on Nevirapine syrup; six of them were not put on treatment. Ninety five percent of newborns were diagnosed HIV-negative 9 months after birth by PCR; 2% of children were undiagnosed as a result of refusal and 3% of children had undetermined serology. This gives a mother-to-child transmission rate of 2% at 9 months of birth for the centers of Kinshasa. Conclusion: Despite the insufficient coverage of the PMTCT service in our community, the centers in Kinshasa respond to the PMTCT approach and the transmission rate in the 8 centers of 4 districts of Kinshasa is 2%.