Introduction: HIV 1 and HIV 2 are members of the Retroviridae family and belong to the lentivirus genus. HIV infection affects the immune system and disrupts its homeostasis. In 2015, WHO estimated that 1.8 million children younger than 15 yrs. of age worldwide were living with HIV 1 infection. Children contribute to one-sixth of HIV deaths and more than 95% of HIV infections in children are due to vertical transmission. Aim: To analyze the efficacy of nevirapine prophylactic therapy in the prevention transmission of HIV infection from mother to child. Method: This retrospective cohort study was conducted at a Pediatric Centre of Excellence in HIV Care in northern India. It focused on infants born to HIV-positive mothers enrolled in the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) program. This study assessed HIV status using DNA-PCR and serological tests in infants before and after national guideline changes. Maternal and infant data was obtained, including nutritional status and ethical approval. Results: In a study involving 47 children born to HIV-positive mothers (25 male, 22 female), significant findings emerged. Of the mothers, 36% were identified as HIV-positive before pregnancy, 51% during antenatal testing, and 10% during labor. Notably, more mothers were identified during antenatal than prenatal and natal periods (P=0.047). Additionally, 6% of children tested positive for HIV after Nevirapine prophylaxis, with a significant number having negative results (P=0.041). Rural areas had more affected children (27) than urban areas (20). ELISA testing was conducted on 28% of children, revealing a 4% positive rate. Conclusion: The implementation of Nevirapine prophylaxis therapy showed promising results, with a low proportion of HIV infection among the children born to HIV-positive mothers.

Introduction: HIV 1 and HIV 2 are members of the Retroviridae family and belong to the lentivirus genus. HIV infection affects the immune system and disrupts its homeostasis. In 2015, WHO estimated that 1.8 million children younger than 15 yrs. of age worldwide were living with HIV 1 infection. Children contribute to one-sixth of HIV deaths and more than 95% of HIV infections in children are due to vertical transmission. Aim: To analyze the efficacy of nevirapine prophylactic therapy in the prevention transmission of HIV infection from mother to child. Method: This retrospective cohort study was conducted at a Pediatric Centre of Excellence in HIV Care in northern India. It focused on infants born to HIV-positive mothers enrolled in the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) program. This study assessed HIV status using DNA-PCR and serological tests in infants before and after national guideline changes. Maternal and infant data was obtained, including nutritional status and ethical approval. Results: In a study involving 47 children born to HIV-positive mothers (25 male, 22 female), significant findings emerged. Of the mothers, 36% were identified as HIV-positive before pregnancy, 51% during antenatal testing, and 10% during labor. Notably, more mothers were identified during antenatal than prenatal and natal periods (P=0.047). Additionally, 6% of children tested positive for HIV after Nevirapine prophylaxis, with a significant number having negative results (P=0.041). Rural areas had more affected children (27) than urban areas (20). ELISA testing was conducted on 28% of children, revealing a 4% positive rate. Conclusion: The implementation of Nevirapine prophylaxis therapy showed promising results, with a low proportion of HIV infection among the children born to HIV-positive mothers.