New research by a biotechnology firm has established that not every baby born to an HIV-positive mother will get the virus. In a statement released on Wednesday‚ BioTech Africa said some babies tested HIV-positive because they carry their biological mothers’ antibodies‚ “which can make the accurate diagnosis of infants quite complex. Even if the infant is not infected‚ rapid HIV tests will test positive until the mother’s antibodies finally disappear‚” the biotech company said.“Even though this window period may take months before a standard test would produce an accurate diagnosis‚ BioTech Africa COO Dr Jenny Leslie says the answer is not necessarily to treat infants with antiretroviral therapy (ART) ‘just in case’ they may be infected.”HIV infections can be passed from mother to child during pregnancy‚ labour‚ delivery‚ and breastfeeding – but the risk of infection can be reduced with antiretroviral treatment‚ safe childbirth practices‚ and appropriate infant feeding.The company recommends that HIV-positive mothers should have tests on their babies repeated after six weeks‚ and again after 12 weeks. “If all these tests are negative and you have not been breastfeeding‚ your baby has not been infected.”The company announced on Wednesday that it would introduce new its molecular HIV tests‚ which “can accurately confirm whether or not the HIV virus is present in a newborn baby. With a molecular test‚ there is no need to wait until the mother’s antibodies disappear.”Furthermore‚ “every infant on antiretroviral therapy should be clinically monitored for any adverse reactions to the therapy‚ and to make sure that the treatment is adjusted as and when needed to ensure the most effective treatment regime for your baby”.Leslie said: “Not only do we constantly hear about shortages of antiretrovirals in South Africa‚ but the therapy is expensive‚ it is not accessible to everyone‚ and it can be risky if it is not monitored properly. There is a chance of adverse reactions to the treatment‚ which can vary in severity from mild to life-threatening‚ and in a low-income setting where the monitoring system may not be as developed as it should be‚ the consequences can be critical.”The company is set to roll out molecular test facilities that will make it possible to test for HIV in remote rural locations...