Premastication: a new way of transmitting HIV. First pediatric case reported in Chile

• Published in: Revista chilena de infectología Vol. 30; no. 2; pp. 221 - 222
• Main Authors: Labraña, Yenis, Alvarez, Ana María, Villarroel, Julia, Wu, Elba
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Spanish
• Published: Chile 01-04-2013
• Subjects: Child, Preschool; Chile; Female; HIV Infections - transmission; Humans; Infant; Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical; Mastication; Chile
• ISSN: 0716-1018
• DOI: 10.4067/S0716-10182013000200014

The incorporation of the protocol to prevent vertical transmission (PMTCT) of HV in pregnant women has reduced the rate of HV transmission in children to less than 2%. In Chile, currently the diagnosis of HIV infection in children is rare. Thus, one positive finding should lead us to audit compliance of the PMTCT and if this has been fully implemented should be reviewed other possible routes of HIV transmission. We present a case report that suggest that HV can be transmitted through the consumption of foods that have been premasticated by a person infected with HV. Premastication is a transmission path that had not been reported, being a possible explanation for some cases of late transmission of HIV in infants, so far attributed to breastfeeding. Understanding that premastication is a common behavior, you should educate people about the potential risk of transmission of diseases, including HIV, through this practice and advise HIV-infected caregivers against this practice.