(Kenya and HIV discordant couples) Scenario Largely Unnoticed

[ChavezSpeakstheTruth]

http://allafrica.com/stories/200407260041.html

>snip
Sometimes, the virus has a stabilising period. According to Mohamed, this is when there is not much replication, such as when it first enters the body and is very aggressive. Sexual intercourse during the stabilising period may not result in infection.

"Chances of infecting somebody during this period, especially in less aggressive sex that may not cause scratches, is minimal," he states. Some of the couples use ARVs without letting the other partner know, and, during this time, the spread is very slow and could account for some level of discordance.

In a stable HIV epidemic, says Mohamed, a large proportion of new infections may occur within stable, discordant relationships. Explaining the phenomenon further, the doctor adds that it is possible for discordant couples to give birth to HIV-negative children.

He says chances of a positive mother passing the virus on to an unborn child are 25 to 40 per cent. It is passed on during pregnancy, during labour and during breast-feeding. Chances during labour are 20 per cent, while that of pregnancy is eight per cent. Breast-feeding is about 14 per cent.
>snip