Low maternal plasma viral load is the key factor for preventing MTCT. Benefits in terms of MTCT reduction may be expected from early antiretroviral prophylaxis. The potential toxicity of prolonged antiretroviral use in pregnancy should be evaluated.

Perinatal HIV-1 transmission is virtually zero in mothers who start ART before conception and maintain suppression of plasma VL.

Children exposed to nucleoside analogues during the perinatal period are at risk of a neurological syndrome associated with persistent mitochondrial dysfunction.

Agence de recherche ANRS (France Recherche Nord & Sud Sida-HIV Hépatites).