Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection in Pregnancy

Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection and Pregnancy

“…2 As many as 200,000 individuals (3.5%) of the population of that city are estimated to be HIV positive. This means that, for every symptomatic individual, [20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30] individuals have no symptoms at alJ and are, for the most part, unaware of their infection. Fewer than 5% of those infected can be expected to develop AIDS within 5 years, and the mean interval is more than 10 years.…”

“…One concern is that there have been, and continue to be, violations of the civil liberties of families and individuals which are not prevented by our current laws. [24][25][26] Another concern is that mandatory testing may cause women who might be at risk to avoid care for fear of being identified. Perhaps the greatest concern, at least at the outset of the epidemic, and the major flaw in the syphilis analogy, is that there is so little to offer from a therapeutic or preventive standpoint.…”

“…This step is also important for the woman who has a negative serology, especially if she continues her risk behavior despite the physician's advice. 26 Periodic testing should be done at an interval sufficient to allow for seroconversion. The standard recommendation is 6 months although the conversion interval may vary from the usual 6-12 weeks to as long as 18 months.…”

“…For the I--IIV-positive woman, counseling should address the following issues: 26 Repeat toxoplasmosis antibody and cytomegalovirus antibody if negative at first visit be contaminated with blood, such as razors or toothbrushes. 6. Advice that the test results should be shared with sex and needle-sharing partners and that they should seek counseling and testing as well.…”

HIV and Preconception- a Review

“…There is no evidence that pregnancy accelerates immunologic decline or affects disease progression and survival among HIV infected women [23].…”