Transmission is mainly tranplacental but also occurs during labor or postnatally via brest feeding. The rate of vertical tranmission from HIV-infected mothers to infants ranges from 15 – 50%. The risk of transmission can be reduced by virostatatic therapy administration to both the pregnant woman and the neonate, cesarean section delivery. HIV-positive women should not breastfeed.
The infants are born prematurely or are growth retarded. Dysmorphic features (microcephaly, prominent forehead, flat nasal bridge) have been reported by some authors. The rate of progression varies. Children develope failure to thrive, developemental dalay, anemia, oral thrush, chronic diarrhea. Reccurent bacterial infections and opportunistic infections occur (Pnemocystis carinii).