MATERNAL TRANSMISSION OF ACQUIRED IMMUNE-DEFICIENCY SYNDROME

  • 1 January 1984
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 73  (3) , 382-386
Abstract
Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) has been reported in previously healthy homosexual or bisexual males, i.v. drug users, heterosexual men with hemophilia and Haitians. The finding of heterosexual hemophiliacs with AIDS has raised the possibility of a transmittable blood-borne agent as a cause of this disease. Three female half-siblings presenting clinical and laboratory evidence for AIDS were studied. All 3 had evidence of abnormal in vitro cellular immunity; 2 had chronic active Epstein-Barr virus infection and lymphadenopathy; all 3 had chronic cutaneous Candida sp. infection; and 2 had P. carinii pneumonia. Their mother is a prostitute/drug addict with abnormal T-cell immunity including clinical and laboratory findings of mucocutaneous candidiasis. Histocompatibility typing is consistent with the history of different fathers for each child. Immunologic studies in 1 child evaluated prospectively from birth were abnormal by 2 mo. of age. These findings and the clinical histories indicate AIDS and strongly suggest vertical transmission of an agent(s) during the perinatal period.