Maternal and perinatal issues regarding HIV infection

Abstract

A review of the information available regarding maternal and fetal factors involved in both protection from and infection with HIV raises more questions than answers. Although providing prevention of HIV infection in women and infants is the ultimate goal, the recent increases in HIV seroprevalence among women of childbearing age gives little hope that this approach will have an effect in the near future. Early detection of HIV infection in pregnant women may provide the opportunity to counsel, provide routine obstetric care, and consider early therapeutic intervention with antiretroviral therapy and active or passive immunotherapy. Identification of HIV-infected infants before they are symptomatic is an equally important goal, as similar therapeutic options may be used.