Table 5.

Description of various factors that influence mother to child transmission of HIV

Factor	Description
Viral	Viral genotype and phenotype, viral resistance and viral load
Maternal	Maternal immunological status, maternal nutritional status, maternal clinical status, behavioural factors and antiretroviral treatment
Obstetrical	Prolonged rupture of membranes (>4 hrs), mode of delivery, intrapartum haemorrhage, obstetrical procedures and invasive foetal monitoring
Foetal	Prematurity, genetic and multiple pregnancy
Infant	Breast feeding, gastrointestinal tract factors, immature immune system and ARV prophylaxis