define fever the tempertaure thats given in standard books on various areas of body in celscius and farhenheit
fever definition temperature thresholds oral rectal axillary tympanic Celsius Fahrenheit standard medical textbooks
| Source | Fever Definition |
|---|---|
| Goldman-Cecil Medicine | >99°F (37.2°C) at 6 AM, or >100°F (37.8°C) at any time of day |
| Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine 22e (2025) | Core temperature ≥38.3°C (≥101°F) - most common definition used for FUO studies |
| Harrison's - for neutropenic fever | Single oral temp ≥38.3°C, OR temp ≥38.0°C sustained for ≥1 hour |
| Roberts & Hedges' Clinical Procedures in Emergency | Oral ≥37.8°C (100°F); Rectal ≥38.0°C (100.4°F); IR ear ≥37.6°C (99.6°F) |
| Rosen's Emergency Medicine | 100.4°F threshold (lower threshold considered for frail elderly) |
| Berek & Novak's Gynecology (postoperative) | ≥100.4°F (38°C) on two occasions at least 4 hours apart |
| FUO definition (classic, multiple books) | Temp >38.3°C on several occasions, illness >3 weeks |
| Body Site | Thermometer Type | Normal Range (°C) | Fever Threshold (°C) | Fever Threshold (°F) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core (PA catheter/esophageal/tympanic thermistor) | Electronic | 36.4 - 37.9 | ≥38.0 | ≥100.4 |
| Oral | Mercury-in-glass, Electronic | 35.5 - 37.7 | ≥37.8 | ≥100.0 |
| Rectal | Mercury-in-glass, Electronic | 36.6 - 37.9 | ≥38.0 | ≥100.4 |
| Ear (tympanic, IR) | Infrared emission | 35.7 - 37.5 | ≥37.6 | ≥99.6 |
Note: Axillary temperature is not listed in this table because it is considered unreliable. Widely accepted clinical guidance (Mayo Clinic, Children's Mercy) uses axillary ≥37.2°C (99°F) as the fever threshold, though it runs ~0.5-1°C lower than rectal.
| Site | Fever (°C) | Fever (°F) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rectal | ≥38.0 | ≥100.4 | Gold standard for core temp; most accurate |
| Oral | ≥37.8 | ≥100.0 | ~0.4°C lower than rectal |
| Tympanic (ear, IR) | ≥37.6 | ≥99.6 | Infrared; less accurate before age 6 months |
| Axillary (armpit) | ≥37.2 | ≥99.0 | ~0.8°C lower than rectal; least accurate |
| Temporal artery (forehead) | ≥38.0 | ≥100.4 | Used as proxy for core; similar to rectal |
| Core (esophageal/PA catheter) | ≥38.0 | ≥100.4 | ICU setting; true reference standard |

What are the physiological mechanisms behind fever (pyrogens and thermoregulation)?2 yo with fever bleeding gum petechial rash over legs .. give dd hx and exmaination lab findings and mx
12 yo with fever bleeding gum petechial rash over legs .. give dd hx and exmaination lab findings and mx
12 year old fever petechiae bleeding gums differential diagnosis pediatrics meningococcemia leukemia ITP
fever pyrogens thermoregulation mechanism IL-1 IL-6 TNF prostaglandin E2 hypothalamus set point
dengue fever petechiae thrombocytopenia bleeding child diagnosis management guidelines
fever petechiae bleeding gums child 12 year history examination lab management meningococcemia ITP leukemia
define FUO
fever of unknown origin FUO definition criteria Petersdorf Durack classification categories
Fever ≥38.3°C (≥101°F) on at least 3 occasions, illness lasting ≥3 weeks, and no diagnosis after 1 week of inpatient evaluation
3 outpatient visits OR 3 days of inpatient investigation (replacing the mandatory 1-week hospitalization)
| Criterion | Threshold |
|---|---|
| Temperature | Fever ≥38.3°C (≥101°F) on at least two occasions |
| Duration | Illness lasting at least 3 weeks |
| Immunocompromised state | No known immunocompromised state (these patients are classified separately) |
Important: A minimum qualifying diagnostic workup must be completed before labeling a fever as FUO, to exclude common and self-limiting illnesses.
| Category | Setting | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Classic FUO | Community/outpatient | Meets the original Petersdorf-Beeson criteria; the most studied form |
| 2. Nosocomial FUO | Hospitalized patients | Fever ≥38.3°C on several days, not present on admission; develops after ≥24-48 hrs of hospitalization |
| 3. Neutropenic (Immune-deficient) FUO | Chemotherapy, transplant, HIV | Fever ≥38.3°C, neutrophil count ≤500/µL; risk of opportunistic infections |
| 4. HIV-associated FUO | HIV/AIDS patients | Fever ≥38.3°C, confirmed HIV, illness >4 weeks as outpatient or >3 days as inpatient |

| Region | Infections (%) | NIIDs (%) | Malignancy (%) | No Diagnosis (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Western Europe | 15.5 (4-36) | 25 | 11 (3-30) | 39.5 (26-54) |
| Eastern Europe/Turkey | 42 (26-74) | 23 (12-38) | 14 (4-19) | 16 (0-35) |
| Middle East | 66 (42-79) | 15 (7-17) | 7 (1-30) | 8 (2-12) |
| Asia | 42 (3-58) | 19 (7-57) | 13 (6-23) | 17 (0-81) |
lab investigations for dengue complications and mx
dengue fever complications lab investigations CBC hematocrit NS1 coagulation LFT management WHO 2024
dengue severe complications dengue shock syndrome expanded dengue syndrome organ involvement management 2024
dengue complications lab investigations hematocrit platelet coagulation LFT NS1 tourniquet management fluid shock
DENGUE
├── 1. Dengue WITHOUT warning signs
├── 2. Dengue WITH warning signs ← Watch carefully
└── 3. SEVERE DENGUE ← Emergency
| Phase | Duration | Key Events |
|---|---|---|
| Febrile | Days 1-7 | High fever, myalgia, rash, leukopenia, early thrombocytopenia |
| Critical | Days 3-7 (24-48 hrs of plasma leakage) | Plasma leakage, hemoconcentration, shock, bleeding - most complications here |
| Recovery | Days 7-10 | Fluid reabsorption, bradycardia, diuresis, pruritic rash ("islands of white in a sea of red") |
| Organ System | Manifestations |
|---|---|
| Cardiac | Myocarditis, pericarditis, bradyarrhythmias (sinus bradycardia, AV block), tachyarrhythmias, pericardial effusion |
| Hepatic | Acute liver failure, acalculous cholecystitis, acute pancreatitis, fulminant hepatic failure (rare) |
| Renal | Acute kidney injury (AKI) |
| Neurological | Encephalitis, meningoencephalitis, post-dengue ADEM, Guillain-Barré syndrome |
| Respiratory | ARDS, pneumonitis, pulmonary hemorrhage |
| Hematological | Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) |
| Musculoskeletal | Rhabdomyolysis |
| GI | GI bleeding, intestinal perforation |
| Test | Window | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| NS1 Antigen (ELISA or rapid) | Days 1-5 of fever (up to day 7-10) | Best early test; sensitivity 80-100%; do NOT do after day 5 |
| RT-PCR | Days 1-5 | Gold standard; detects viral RNA; available in reference labs |
| Dengue IgM (EIA) | From day 3-5, peaks at 2 weeks | 99% positive by day 10; cross-reacts with Zika/flaviviruses |
| Dengue IgG | Present in secondary infection from day 1; lifelong after primary | 4-fold rise between acute (<5 days) and convalescent (>15 days) confirms recent infection |
| Combined NS1 + IgM on single specimen (days 1-10) | Identifies ≥90% of primary and secondary dengue cases |
| Investigation | What It Detects | Key Thresholds |
|---|---|---|
| CBC with differential | Leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, hemoconcentration | Platelets <100,000 = DHF risk; <10,000 = severe bleeding risk |
| Hematocrit (HCT) - serial every 6-8 hrs | Plasma leakage (hemoconcentration) | ≥20% rise from baseline = significant plasma leakage; falling HCT = occult bleeding or fluid overload |
| Platelet count - serial | Thrombocytopenia trend | Watch for rapid fall concurrent with HCT rise (warning sign) |
| Liver function tests (AST, ALT, bilirubin, albumin) | Hepatitis, acute liver failure | AST/ALT ≥1000 = severe dengue; AST often rises more than ALT in dengue |
| Coagulation profile (PT, aPTT, INR, fibrinogen) | DIC, coagulopathy | Prolonged PT/aPTT + low fibrinogen = DIC |
| Blood glucose | Hypoglycemia (hepatic failure) | Critical to monitor in severe dengue |
| Serum electrolytes (Na, K, Cl) | Hyponatremia (plasma leakage), dyselectrolytemia | Hyponatremia common |
| Blood urea + creatinine | AKI (EDS) | Rising creatinine = renal involvement |
| Blood gas + lactate | Metabolic acidosis, tissue hypoperfusion in shock | Lactate >2 = shock marker |
| Urine output | Fluid balance, renal perfusion | Target ≥0.5 mL/kg/hr |
| Complication | Additional Tests |
|---|---|
| Suspected DIC | D-dimers, fibrin degradation products (FDP), fibrinogen |
| Severe hepatitis / liver failure | PT/INR, albumin, ammonia, hepatic encephalopathy screen |
| AKI | Creatinine, BUN, urinalysis, urine electrolytes, urine output chart |
| Myocarditis | ECG, troponin I/T, CK-MB, echocardiography |
| Neurological involvement | CT head (exclude hemorrhage), CSF analysis (encephalitis), EEG |
| Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) | Serum ferritin (>3000 IU/L significant), LDH, triglycerides, CRP, bone marrow biopsy; calculate H-Score |
| Rhabdomyolysis | CK (creatine kinase), urine myoglobin, creatinine |
| ARDS / respiratory | Chest X-ray (bilateral infiltrates), arterial blood gas, SpO2 |
| Pancreatitis | Serum amylase, lipase, abdominal ultrasound |
| Group and match | If transfusion anticipated (bleeding or Hb <7 g/dL) |
| Investigation | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Chest X-ray | Pleural effusion (right-sided first), pulmonary infiltrates (ARDS) |
| Ultrasound abdomen | Ascites, pleural effusion (most sensitive), gallbladder wall thickening (dengue), hepatosplenomegaly |
| Echocardiography | Pericardial effusion, myocarditis, ejection fraction |
| CT head | Intracranial hemorrhage (in severe thrombocytopenia or neurological dengue) |
| Situation | Action |
|---|---|
| Platelets <10,000 without bleeding | Observe; prophylactic transfusion generally NOT recommended |
| Platelets <10,000 with active bleeding | Platelet transfusion |
| Active significant bleeding (GI, CNS, vaginal) | Packed red cells, FFP, platelets as needed |
| Hb <7 g/dL (with hemodynamic instability) | Packed red cells transfusion |
| Falling HCT + unstable → suspect occult bleeding | Cross-match, transfuse if significant drop |
| DIC | FFP (10-15 mL/kg), cryoprecipitate (for fibrinogen), platelets |
Note: Platelet transfusions are often rapidly destroyed; transfuse only for active bleeding or pre-procedure - not for platelet count alone.
| Complication | Management |
|---|---|
| Acute Liver Failure | Avoid hepatotoxic drugs; correct coagulopathy (FFP); lactulose for encephalopathy; liver transplant referral in fulminant failure |
| AKI | IV fluid optimization; renal replacement therapy (dialysis) if oliguric/anuric despite resuscitation |
| Myocarditis | Cardiac monitoring, anti-arrhythmics if needed, inotropic support; avoid aggressive fluids |
| Neurological (encephalitis) | Airway protection, seizure control, anti-cerebral edema measures (mannitol, hyperventilation); IVIg for dengue GBS |
| Post-dengue ADEM | Pulsed IV methylprednisolone |
| HLH | Dexamethasone + etoposide (based on H-Score); bone marrow transplant in refractory cases |
| ARDS | Lung-protective ventilation (tidal volume 6 mL/kg, PEEP optimization); avoid fluid overload |
| Rhabdomyolysis | Aggressive IV fluids to maintain urine output >1-3 mL/kg/hr; urine alkalinization |
| Pleural effusion (respiratory distress) | Therapeutic thoracocentesis only if causing ventilatory compromise; avoid routine drainage |
| Parameter | Frequency |
|---|---|
| HCT | Every 6-8 hrs (stable) / every 2-4 hrs (warning signs) / hourly (shock) |
| Platelet count | Daily (mild) / 6-8 hrly (critical phase) |
| Urine output | Every 6-8 hrs (stable) / hourly (shock) |
| Vital signs | Every 4 hrs (stable) / continuous (ICU) |
| Blood glucose | Every 6-8 hrs (severe dengue) |
| Creatinine, LFTs | Daily (warning signs/severe) |
| Blood gas + lactate | As needed in shock |
typhoid mx regime
typhoid fever treatment guidelines 2024 antibiotic regimen fluoroquinolone ceftriaxone azithromycin MDR XDR
typhoid treatment regimen doses duration uncomplicated complicated MDR XDR ceftriaxone azithromycin carbapenem
| Type | Definition | Resistant to | Treat with |
|---|---|---|---|
| Susceptible | Fully sensitive | - | Fluoroquinolones (first choice) |
| MDR (Multi-Drug Resistant) | Since 1980s | Ampicillin + Chloramphenicol + TMP-SMX | Fluoroquinolones, Ceftriaxone, Azithromycin |
| DSC/FQ-R (Decreased fluoroquinolone susceptibility / Fluoroquinolone-Resistant) | Since 1990s, common in South Asia | MDR drugs + Fluoroquinolones | Ceftriaxone, Azithromycin |
| XDR (Extensively Drug Resistant) | Since 2016, Pakistan outbreak | All above + Ceftriaxone | Azithromycin (uncomplicated) / Carbapenem (severe) |
Key point from Red Book 2021: Most typhoid diagnosed in the US and UK is now fluoroquinolone non-susceptible. Do NOT use fluoroquinolones empirically for travelers from South Asia (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal).
| Travel Origin | Uncomplicated | Complicated/Severe |
|---|---|---|
| Pakistan / Iraq / no travel | Azithromycin | Carbapenem (meropenem) |
| Rest of South Asia (India, Bangladesh, Nepal) | Ceftriaxone OR Azithromycin | Ceftriaxone IV |
| Other countries (Africa, SE Asia, Caribbean, Latin America) | Ceftriaxone OR Azithromycin | Ceftriaxone IV |
| Fully susceptible (low-resistance area) | Ciprofloxacin | Ciprofloxacin IV |
| Drug | Adults (dose) | Children (dose) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ciprofloxacin (oral, 1st choice) | 500-750 mg PO 12-hourly | 20 mg/kg/day PO in 2 divided doses | 7 days |
| Ofloxacin | 400 mg PO 12-hourly | - | 7 days |
| Drug | Adults (dose) | Children (dose) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Azithromycin (oral, preferred for outpatient MDR) | 500 mg/day PO | 20 mg/kg/day PO (max 1 g/day) | 7 days |
| Ceftriaxone IV/IM | 1-2 g IV every 12-24 hrs | 50-75 mg/kg/day IV in 2 doses | 10-14 days |
| Cefixime (oral 3rd gen) | 20 mg/kg/day PO in 2 doses | 20 mg/kg/day PO in 2 doses | 10-14 days |
Note: Relapse rates are lower with azithromycin than with fluoroquinolones or ceftriaxone (Red Book 2021).
| Drug | Adults | Children | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Azithromycin (oral, uncomplicated XDR) | 500 mg/day PO | 20 mg/kg/day PO | 7 days |
| If no improvement or severe → add/switch to Meropenem | 1 g IV every 8 hrs | 20 mg/kg IV 8-hourly (max 1 g) | 10-14 days |
| Drug | Adults | Children | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ciprofloxacin IV | 400 mg IV every 8-hourly | 10 mg/kg/dose IV every 8 hrs (max 400 mg/dose) | 10-14 days |
| Step down to oral when improving | 500-750 mg PO 12-hrly | 20 mg/kg/day PO | Complete 10-14 days total |
| Drug | Adults | Children | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ceftriaxone IV (drug of choice) | 2 g IV every 12-24 hrs | 75 mg/kg/day IV (max 4 g/day) | 10-14 days |
| Alternative: Cefotaxime | 2 g IV every 8 hrs | 40-80 mg/kg/day IV in 2-3 doses | 10-14 days |
| Step down to oral when improving | Azithromycin PO | Azithromycin PO | Complete course |
| Drug | Adults | Children (≥3 months) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meropenem IV (drug of choice for severe XDR) | 1 g IV every 8 hrs | 20 mg/kg IV every 8 hrs (max 1 g) | 10-14 days |
| If no improvement → add Azithromycin | 500 mg/day | 20 mg/kg/day | Concurrently |
| Drug | Adults dose | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chloramphenicol | 50 mg/kg/day PO or IV in 4 doses | 7-14 days | Still effective if susceptible; risk of aplastic anemia |
| Ampicillin | 25 mg/kg IV every 6 hrs | 14 days | Only if susceptible |
| TMP-SMX | 4/20 mg/kg IV or PO every 12 hrs | 14 days | Widespread resistance; only use if susceptible |
These three form the classic MDR triad - resistance to all three defines MDR typhoid.
| Antibiotic | Uncomplicated | Severe/Complicated |
|---|---|---|
| Fluoroquinolone (oral/IV) | 7 days | 10-14 days |
| Azithromycin (oral) | 7 days | Not primary agent (use IV antibiotics) |
| Ceftriaxone/Cefotaxime (IV) | 10-14 days | 10-14 days |
| Meropenem (IV) | - | 10-14 days |
| Chloramphenicol / Ampicillin / TMP-SMX (if susceptible) | 14 days | 14 days |
| Complication | Management |
|---|---|
| Intestinal hemorrhage | IV fluids, blood transfusion; continue antibiotics; surgical opinion if severe |
| Intestinal perforation | Urgent laparotomy (primary repair or resection) + broaden antibiotics to cover bowel flora (add metronidazole + amikacin/piperacillin-tazobactam to ceftriaxone) |
| Typhoid hepatitis | Continue antibiotics; avoid hepatotoxic drugs; supportive |
| Typhoid meningitis | Ceftriaxone IV (good CNS penetration) x 14 days |
| Relapse | Repeat a full course with the same effective antibiotic (same susceptibility); azithromycin has lowest relapse rate |
| Vaccine | Type | Age | Schedule | Efficacy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ty21a (Vivotif) | Live attenuated oral | ≥6 years | 4 capsules on days 1, 3, 5, 7; booster every 5 years | ~50% at 3 years |
| Vi CPS (Typhim Vi) | Purified polysaccharide IM | ≥2 years | Single dose IM; booster every 2 years | ~55% at 3 years |
| Typhoid Conjugate Vaccines (Typbar-TCV, TYPHIBEV) | Vi-polysaccharide conjugated | ≥6 months | Single IM dose; protection up to 7 years | 79-95% (WHO preferred) |
TCV (conjugate) is now the WHO-preferred vaccine and is recommended for countries with high incidence, especially for children <2 years (unconjugated Vi CPS not effective in this age group).
Typhoid suspected
↓
Send: Blood cultures x3, stool/urine culture, Widal (low sensitivity), CBC, LFTs
↓
Travel history?
↓ ↓
Pakistan / Iraq / Other endemic area
No travel ↓
↓ Ceftriaxone IV (severe)
Uncomplicated: OR Azithromycin (mild)
Azithromycin 7 days
Severe:
Meropenem IV 10-14 days
↓
Culture & Sensitivity results available?
↓
Tailor therapy to susceptibility
↓
Temperature normal ≥2-3 days → step down to oral, complete course
↓
Monitor for relapse (especially within 4 weeks)
confirmation of HIV in a new born
HIV confirmation newborn infant diagnosis virological testing PCR DNA RNA guidelines 2024
HIV newborn infant confirmation testing schedule DNA PCR RNA antibody maternal transfer 18 months
Guideline (US HHS 2024, AII recommendation): Virologic assays (HIV RNA or HIV DNA nucleic acid tests [NATs]) that directly detect HIV must be used to diagnose HIV in infants and children aged <18 months with perinatal HIV exposure.
| Age | Sensitivity (HIV DNA PCR) |
|---|---|
| Birth (< 48 hrs) | 20-55% (detects only in utero infection) |
| 2-4 weeks | >90% |
| 3-6 months | 100% |

| Risk Category | Testing Timepoints |
|---|---|
| Low Risk | 2-3 weeks → 4-6 weeks → 4-6 months |
| Higher Risk | Birth → 2-3 weeks → 4-6 weeks → 8 weeks → 10 weeks (after ARV cessation) → 4-6 months |
Higher-risk infants: additional test at birth AND at 8-10 weeks (2-4 weeks after stopping ARV prophylaxis)
A single positive result is presumptive - always repeat immediately on a new sample before labelling infant as infected (false positives can occur with both RNA and DNA assays)
| Condition | Criteria |
|---|---|
| Age | ≥ 4-6 months |
| Tests | Two negative NAT results from samples at least 1 month apart (both after age 1 month) |
| Breastfeeding | Not breastfeeding (or breastfeeding stopped ≥6 weeks before testing) |
| Clinical | No HIV clinical symptoms |
Newborn of HIV-positive mother
↓
DO NOT use HIV antibody test (maternal IgG interference)
↓
Use HIV DNA PCR or HIV RNA PCR (NAT)
↓
Higher risk → test at birth, 2-3 weeks, 4-6 weeks, 8 weeks, 4-6 months
Low risk → test at 2-3 weeks, 4-6 weeks, 4-6 months
↓
ANY POSITIVE RESULT?
YES ↓ NO ↓
Repeat immediately on Continue scheduled testing
new blood sample (2 negatives ≥1 month apart
↓ after age 1 month = excluded)
SECOND POSITIVE? ↓
YES → HIV CONFIRMED HIV antibody test at 18 months
↓ (confirms seroreversion)
HIV RNA viral load
HIV genotype (resistance)
Start ART urgently
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Why not antibody test? | Maternal IgG crosses placenta, persists 12-18 months |
| Preferred test | HIV DNA PCR or HIV RNA PCR (NAT) |
| Sensitivity at birth | 20-55% (only detects in utero infection) |
| Sensitivity at 1-2 months | >96% |
| Sensitivity at 3-6 months | 100% |
| Confirmatory rule | 2 positive NATs on separate samples = HIV confirmed |
| Exclusion rule | 2 negative NATs ≥1 month apart, both after age 1 month, not breastfeeding = excluded |
| Final serological check | HIV antibody at 18 months (expects negative = seroreversion) |
| Breastfeeding caveat | Test 6 weeks after cessation; breastfeeding transmits HIV |
| Non-subtype B / African HIV | Use RNA NAT or total nucleic acid test (DNA PCR may miss) |
| After confirmation | Viral load + genotype + ART initiation ASAP |
counselling regarding breast feeding in HIV postive mother
HIV positive mother breastfeeding counselling WHO CDC guidelines 2024 ART viral suppression transmission risk
HIV breastfeeding counselling resource rich resource limited settings WHO recommendation ART viral suppression formula feeding risk transmission
WHO 2022 2023 breastfeeding HIV guidelines resource limited settings AFASS criteria replacement feeding recommendation
| Factor | Risk |
|---|---|
| Detectable HIV RNA in breast milk | High |
| Mastitis / cracked nipples / breast abscess | High (disrupts mucosal barrier) |
| Low maternal CD4 count | High |
| Maternal vitamin A deficiency | Higher |
| High maternal plasma viral load | Directly proportional |
| Mixed feeding (vs. exclusive breastfeeding) | Higher than exclusive |
| Oral lesions / sores in infant | Higher risk of mucosal entry |
Important caveat: Low-level detectable HIV virus (<100 copies/mL) has been found in breast milk even when plasma viral load is undetectable - clinical significance for transmission is unknown but cannot be dismissed.
| Body | Stance |
|---|---|
| CDC (2024) | Acknowledges <1% risk; patient-centered counselling; supports shared decision-making |
| US HHS Panel (2024) | Counsel about all three options: formula, donor milk, or breastfeeding; support whatever decision is made |
| AAP (2024) | Avoidance of breastfeeding is the ONLY 0% risk option; BUT pediatricians should offer "family-centered, non-judgmental, harm reduction approach" to support mothers on ART with sustained viral suppression (<50 copies/mL) who choose to breastfeed |
| Harrison's 22e (2025) | In developed countries, breast-feeding by an HIV-positive mother is contraindicated since alternative adequate nutrition is readily available |
| Creasy & Resnik Maternal-Fetal Medicine | HIV-positive mother listed under "Mothers should NOT breastfeed" (CDC 2018 criteria) |
"Mothers living with HIV should breastfeed for at least 12 months and may continue for up to 24 months or beyond (similar to the general population) while being fully supported for ART adherence."
| AFASS | Criteria | Question to Ask |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptable | No social or cultural barrier to not breastfeeding | "Will there be a problem with family/community if you don't breastfeed?" |
| Feasible | Mother/family can prepare and give formula correctly | "Can you prepare feeds every 3 hours, day and night?" |
| Affordable | Can sustain cost for 6+ months without compromising nutrition | "Can you buy enough formula consistently?" |
| Sustainable | Continuous uninterrupted supply available | "Is formula reliably available in your area?" |
| Safe | Access to clean water + ability to sterilize utensils | "Do you have access to clean, safe water? Can you sterilize utensils?" |
| Message | Detail |
|---|---|
| ART is essential | Start and maintain ART - this is the single most important intervention to protect the infant |
| Viral suppression = key | Mother must achieve and maintain undetectable viral load |
| Exclusive breastfeeding is safer than mixed | If breastfeeding in resource-limited setting, give ONLY breast milk for first 6 months |
| Mastitis must be treated promptly | Seek treatment immediately - mastitis increases HIV transmission risk; continue breastfeeding from unaffected side if needed |
| Cracked/bleeding nipples | Consider temporarily stopping breastfeeding from affected breast; express and discard milk from that side |
| No premastication of food | Mothers with HIV should never pre-chew food for their infant (HIV in saliva + mucosal exposure to infant) |
| Infant ARV prophylaxis | Infant receives ARVs for 4-6 weeks (or longer if breastfeeding) |
| Infant testing | Regular HIV NAT testing of infant throughout and after breastfeeding |
| Partner notification | Ensure partner knows status; test partner |
| No breast milk donation | Mother with HIV must not donate breast milk to a milk bank |
| Pasteurized donor milk | In resource-rich settings, pasteurized donor human milk from a bank is a safe alternative to formula |
| Aspect | Resource-Rich Setting | Resource-Limited Setting |
|---|---|---|
| Primary recommendation | Avoid breastfeeding (formula or donor milk) | Breastfeed exclusively for 6 months with ART |
| If ART + viral suppression | Counselling + shared decision-making; can support if mother chooses | Continue breastfeeding up to 24 months with ART |
| If no ART or not suppressed | Formula/donor milk ONLY | Try to achieve ART; use AFASS to guide |
| Key protective factor | Formula/pasteurized donor milk | Maternal ART + exclusive breastfeeding |
| Risk reduction with ART | <1% transmission risk | <1-2% transmission risk |
| Duration | Avoid entirely (ideally) | 12-24 months with ART |
| Mixed feeding | Not recommended | Never - increases risk |
| Infant prophylaxis | 4-6 weeks ARV | Extended ARV prophylaxis during breastfeeding |
| Post-weaning test | 6 weeks after stopping | 6 weeks after stopping |
| Guideline bodies | CDC, HHS, AAP, Harrison's | WHO, UNICEF, UNAIDS |