HLA A*32 is associated to HIV acquisition while B*44 and B*53 are associated with protection against HIV acquisition in perinatally exposed infants.

Background: Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecules play a key role in the cellular immune system. They may be determinants of mother-to-child transmission which is the driving force in pediatric HIV infection. We intended to look at the impact of the distribution of these polymorphic HLA genes in the mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV in Cameroon.