Testing could prevent mother-to-child HIV transmission

Researchers have said that HIV transmission during pregnancy could be prevented with testing during the pregnancy period.

Figures from the World Health Organisation estimate that over 500,000 children under 15 are infected with HIV every year, mainly through mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding (MTCT).

The researchers say that programmes of testing in the labour ward may help reduce the extent of MTCT in developing countries.

Such a programme was highlighted in the latest issue of PLoS Medicine where the researchers in Maharashtra State in India found that most women in labour did not already know their HIV status.

The majority accepted rapid HIV testing on the labour ward, where they received the results within an hour.

A total of 1,222 women were tested and 15 were found to be infected, of which 11 were newly diagnosed in the labour room.

Transmission of the disease around the time of birth can be prevented using antiretroviral drugs and safer delivery and feeding practises however, women in low-income countries currently have few opportunities for testing before going into labour.

HIV charity Avert estimates that 15-30 per cent of babies born to HIV positive women will become infected during pregnancy and delivery and a further five-20 per cent will be infected trough breastfeeding.