Human immunodeficiency virus infection in pregnancy

Abstract

The global pandemic of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection has had significant impact on women of reproductive age. Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) is an important route by which children are being infected worldwide. With early diagnosis and effective antenatal strategies, maternal health can be optimised and MTCT rates significantly reduced. These strategies include the use of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in pregnancy (either for reasons of maternal health or as prophylaxis to prevent MTCT), as well as delivery by pre-labour caesarean section in those with a detectable viral load, combined with avoidance of breastfeeding and administration of ART to the newborn in the first month of life.