Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor levels among HIV-exposed uninfected infants at the time of HIV PCR testing - findings from a tertiary healthcare facility in Pretoria, South Africa.

During the first 10-weeks after delivery, a quarter of breastfed infants born to women on an EFV-containing treatment regimen maintained virologically suppressive EFV plasma levels. This finding highlights the importance of both careful monitoring of ARV side effects and repeat HIV PCR after the first few months of life among HIV-exposed uninfected infants. As 30% of infants had inadequate NVP plasma levels at 6-weeks of age, adherence counselling to caregivers regarding infant prophylaxis needs to be enhanced to further reduce mother-to-child transmission of HIV.