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Background: The colostrum of HIV infected mothers contains a high number of HIV copies, which are considered highly infecting, as well as large numbers of macrophafge and other mononuclear cells that may incorporate virus. While prevention protocols in Western countries suggest the interruption of breast feeding, at least for the first few months of life, this is not advisable in developing countries. Methods: The aim of this study was to determine the HIV load and the concentrations of IL-18, IL-16, IL-12, TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 in the colostrum of HIV infected mothers, living in Burkina Faso. The women all received nevirapine prophylaxis during labour. Results: The viral load in the colostrum decreased rapidly during the first three days following delivery, while the concentration of IL-18 and IL-16 increased in the same period. IL-12, TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 did not show significant variations in the first three days after delivery. Conclusions: Since it is possible to reduce the viral load, but not modify the cytokine composition of human colostrum, it could be preferable to interrupt the administration of colostrum for three days.