| dc.description.abstract | Background: Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) transmission through breastmilk is the chief modality
through which HIV-1 is transmitted from HIV-1-infected mothers to their babies in developing countries,
where alternative feeding options lack practical feasibility. The development of an approach to inactivate the
HIV-1 virions ingested by an infant on a daily basis through breastmilk is thus of critical importance.
Methods: Copper has potent virucidal properties. Stoichiometric concentrations of copper ions inactivate the HIV-
1 protease, which is essential for viral replication. Cell-free and cell-associated HIV-1 infectivity is inhibited when
the virus is exposed to copper oxide in a dose-dependent manner. Passage of high titers of a wide range of HIV-1
isolates, spiked in culture medium, through filters containing copper oxide powder resulted in their deactivation.
Results: In the current study, we demonstrate that the infectivity of three different HIV-1 isolates, spiked in
breastmilk obtained from HIV-1-seronegative donors, or of wild-type isolates found in breastmilk obtained from
HIV-1-seropositive donors, is drastically reduced (>98%) when exposed to copper oxide.
Conclusions: This study is proof of concept that copper oxide is efficacious against HIV-1 found in breastmilk
and serves as the basis for further research aimed at determining the possible effects that copper may have on the
nutritional and anti-infective properties of breastmilk. Furthermore, this supports the continuing study of the
feasibility of developing a filtering device, such as an ‘‘at-the-breast’’ disposable shield that can be used discreetly
and safely by HIV-1-infected mothers during breastfeeding | en |
