Question

Which of the following is TRUE regarding perinatal transmission of HIV?

A. The risk of transmission from mother to child can be significantly reduced by the use of antiretroviral medication during pregnancy and delivery.
B. Breast feeding is not a risk for HIV transmission, and women with HIV infection in the United States and Canada are encouraged to breast feed.
C. Women in the United States and Canada are not routinely offered HIV testing during pregnancy, but they should request it if they feel they are at risk.
D. The risk of perinatal HIV transmission only occurs at the time of delivery.

Answer 1

The true statement about perinatal transmission of HIV is that the risk can be significantly reduced by using antiretroviral medication during pregnancy and delivery. Breastfeeding does convey a transmission risk, routine HIV testing during pregnancy is standard in the US and Canada, and transmission can occur at various stages, not just during delivery.Hence, the correct answer is option A.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct answer is: The risk of transmission from mother to child can be significantly reduced by the use of antiretroviral medication during pregnancy and delivery. This statement is true because antiretroviral therapies can lower the risk of mother-to-child transmission of HIV to around 1% when given to the mother during pregnancy and to the infant after birth.

It is important to note that breastfeeding does pose a risk for HIV transmission. Thus, women with HIV infection in the United States and Canada are generally advised to avoid breastfeeding to prevent the transmission of HIV through breast milk. Furthermore, HIV testing is routinely offered to all pregnant women in the United States and Canada to identify and manage cases early. Lastly, the risk of perinatal HIV transmission can occur during the late stages of pregnancy, at the time of delivery, and through breastfeeding, not solely at the time of delivery.