Infant formula blocks HIV transmission

TORONTO, July 7 (UPI) -- U.S. researchers are developing a freeze-dried formula with a longer shelf-life that protects infants from human immunodeficiency virus while breastfeeding.

Researchers from Lavax in Palatine, Ill., and the University of Illinois at Chicago report they have isolated a special strain of probiotic lactobacilli from the human mouth that belongs to the same species as those found in dairy foods, such as yogurt and kefir.

This strain captures the HIV virus, which leads to AIDS, by binding to its outer "envelope" because it grows and reproduces itself in milk. The researches said once an infant is inoculated with the Lactobacillus in the freeze-dried formula, the protection may last until the infant is weaned from its mother's milk, U.S. News & World Report reported.

The hot climate and the lack of refrigeration in Africa has posed a great challenge for the shelf life of lactobacilli. However, the new agent kept the HIV-capturing Lactobacillus strain viable for more than 12 weeks, the researchers said.

HIV can be transmitted via breastfeeding, which is a major problem in many areas of Africa, where HIV-positive mothers have no alternative to breastfeeding.

The findings were presented at the 86th general session of the International Association for Dental Research in Toronto.