Question

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) may be perinatally transmitted:

a. Only in the third trimester from the maternal circulation.
b. By a needlestick injury at birth from unsterile instruments.
c. Only through the ingestion of amniotic fluid.
d. Through the ingestion of breast milk from an infected mother.

Answer 1

HIV can be perinatally transmitted in several ways, including through the mother's blood during late pregnancy or childbirth, breast milk after birth, and potentially through unsterile instruments at birth. Measures such as antiretroviral medications and safe delivery practices can lower transmission rates.c. Only through the ingestion of amniotic fluid

Step-by-step explanation:

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) may be perinatally transmitted through various means during pregnancy, childbirth, and after birth. Contrary to the suggestion that HIV is transmitted only during the third trimester or only through the ingestion of amniotic fluid, the reality is that it can be transmitted from an infected mother to her baby at different times:

• Through the mother's blood during late pregnancy or childbirth.
• The ingestion of breast milk from an infected mother after birth.
• Needlestick injury at birth from unsterile instruments can also be a potential, though less common, mode of transmission.

Mother-to-child transmission rates can be significantly reduced through measures such as administering antiretroviral medications to the mother and infant, cesarean deliveries, and substituting breastfeeding with bottle-feeding if feasible.