Final answer:
Babies born to HIV positive mothers should be tested for HIV 24 hours after birth using tests that identify viral RNA, and they should avoid breastfeeding to prevent the transmission of HIV.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV
For babies born to HIV positive mothers, the recommended action is to test for HIV 24 hours after birth and to avoid breastfeeding. This is due to the risk of mother-to-child transmission of the virus during pregnancy, childbirth, and through breast milk. Testing for HIV shortly after birth ensures early detection and intervention. Moreover, antiretroviral medications should be administered to both the mother during pregnancy and the infant after birth, which can reduce the transmission rate to about 1%. If breast milk is replaced with formula feeding, this eliminates the potential transmission through breast milk.
Considering the high risk of HIV transmission from mother to child, it is critical to avoid breastfeeding and to conduct an early HIV test. For infants, antibody tests are not accurate due to the presence of maternal antibodies in their blood. Therefore, tests that identify viral RNA, such as the nucleic acid test (NAT), are used for a definitive diagnosis. These tests can detect the virus before the development of antibodies and are particularly important for children younger than 18 months.
In conclusion, the safest and recommended option for babies born to HIV positive mothers is option 2: to test for HIV 24 hours after birth and avoid breastfeeding, to prevent potential transmission of the virus.