Prevalence of HIV Neonatal Infection Amongst Babies Born to HIV Positive Parents in Maiduguri North-Eastern Nigeria

摘要

The prevalence of HIV neonatal infection amongst babies born to HIV positive parents in Maiduguri North-Eastern Nigeria was studied. About 240 patients were used for this study. The patients include new born babies, their fathers and mothers. The study site was University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Nigeria. About 5 mL venous blood sample was collected from the patients after obtaining their consent. These blood samples were screened for HIV antibodies. From the results obtained, 22.5% of the babies were HIV positive, 100% of their fathers and mothers were HIV positive. These results show that the prevalence of HIV neonatal infection amongst babies born to HIV positive parents is low in Maiduguri, Nigeria. It is therefore recommended that further studies be carried out to ascertain what protects the babies from being infected with the HIV virus while still in the womb. This would help in managing the HIV/AIDS pandemic world wide.