Scientists state this activity, which enables babies to better digest food, most often occurs in developing countries, were readily-prepared baby food, or blenders, are not available.
Led by Dr. Kenneth L. Dominguez, researchers from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention presented their case regarding the conclusion, with their basis being three separate cases of babies infected with the HIV virus by being fed pre-chewed food by and HIV-positive person.
The first case was in Miami, with a 15-month old African-American boy being diagnosed in 1993. Investigations revealed that his HIV-positive aunt had fed him pre-chewed food for 14 months.
The second one was also in Miami, and involved a 3-year old Caribbean-American boy. His HIV diagnosis was given in 1995, due to the pre-chewed food fed to him by his HIV-positive mother.
According to eFluxMedia, the experts' doubts were quelled by a third case involving a 9-moth old African-American girl in Memphis. She was diagnosed with HIV, and scientists later discovered that her mother had been feeding her pre-chewed food for about 5 months.
"Pre-mastication is a newly recognized route for HIV transmission that warrants further investigation in order to continue reducing cases of HIV transmission in the U.S.", urged Dr. Dominguez.
He noted the possible significance of the study on those living in developing countries.
The experts said that the virus was most likely transmitted by the blood from the guardian's saliva - a conclusion drawn from reports that two of the three caregivers reported bleeding gums, reported the UPI.
The scientists urged for better information to be given to parents and guardians regarding the potential dangers of feeding babies pre-chewed food.
