Factors Contributing to High Rates of Perinatal HIV Transmission
Perinatal HIV has yet to be eliminated in the United States due to a number of factors. Researchers did a chart review to determine what factors contribute to higher rates of transmission. As might be expected, lack of prenatal care and limited to no use of antiretroviral therapy during pregnancy were both determined to contribute to higher rates of HIV transmission. In addition, detectable viral load at delivery and IV drug use were also determined to be contributing factors. Ensuring access to proper prenatal care (including ARVs during pregnancy) for all women will help to reduce perinatal transmission rates.
Citation:
Del Bianco G, Bell CS, Benjamins LJ, Perez N, Rodriguez G, Murphy JR, Heresi GP. Persistently high perinatal transmission of HIV: assessment of risk factors. Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2014 Jun;33(6):e151-7.
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