Authors : Shoeb Qureshi , Zaman Ara , Viquar Fatima Qureshi , Mohammad Farhan Qureshi , Roohi Fatima , Mohammad Rehan Qureshi , Mohammad Al Bakrah and Abdullah M. Al-Bekairi
Abstract: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is the most fatal disorder caused by Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection. There has not been any successful chemotherapy developed so far and the infection continues to plague many countries across the globe through last two and a half decades. Heterosexual contact is the predominant mode of transmission among women of childbearing age and consequently the infants are afflicted. Vertical transmission is one of the major etiological factors for HIV/AIDS in children. The infection is symptomatic in the beginning and subsequently progress rapidly. Co-morbidity and rate of mortality is high. Notwithstanding, tremendous progression of technical and scientific capabilities, the world is still not able to control the epidemic of vertical transmission. As of December 2006, about 2.3 million children are living with HIV and the death figures reach 0.38 million. In view of the deteriorating situation of the mortality and co-morbidity of HIV infection among children and lack of literature on vertical transmission, an attempt was made to review some of the crucial publications. Our study correlated some of the important aspects on epidemiology, pathogenesis, co-morbidity, mortality, prevention, treatment strategies (both HIV infection and co-morbidity) and toxicity of drugs. It is concluded that further deterioration in the present status of HIV infection could be avoided by giving priority to developing effective strategies and preventive measures to target the properties of transmitted viruses.
Shoeb Qureshi , Zaman Ara , Viquar Fatima Qureshi , Mohammad Farhan Qureshi , Roohi Fatima , Mohammad Rehan Qureshi , Mohammad Al Bakrah and Abdullah M. Al-Bekairi , 2007. Vertical Transmission of HIV: A Review on Epidemiology, Pathogenesis, Prevention, Treatment Strategies and Toxicity of Drugs. Research Journal of Medical Sciences, 1: 251-262.