Human Milk Oligosaccharides, Microbiome, Antiretroviral Therapy and HIV Infected Mothers: Reasons to Still Promote Breastfeeding in HIV Context of Lactating Countries, a Mini-Narrative Review

Breastfeeding is the preferred feeding for newborns during the first 6 months of life and until the age of 2 years or beyond. The benefits of breastfeeding remain significant, even in cases of HIV infection. The introduction of antiretroviral therapy(ART) has greatly reduced the risk of HIV transmission from mother to child through breastfeeding. As a result, breast milk is recommended for infants born to HIV-positive mothers, regardless of the mother's HIV status. Nevertheless, breastfeeding still poses a risk of HIV transmission in the era of eliminating vertical transmission. This mini-narrative review will highlight the continued benefits of breast milk for both HIV-infected and uninfected infants, focussing on the changes in bioactive components of breast milk, such as human milk oligosaccharides, and their effects on the gut microbiota. Additionally, this review will recommend strategies to improve safe breastfeeding practices in the context of HIV when mothers are receiving ART.