If I am not mistaken, the HIV virus is not present in spermatozoa and eggs. Is it then true that an unborn of two AIDS patients can only get AIDS through contact with the cervix during birth? If yes, is caesarean section a way to prevent infection?
Answer
Indeed, the transmission of HIV from mother to child occurs in most cases at the time of birth. Prevention does not just consist of performing a cesarean section. The pregnant woman must be treated correctly with antiviral drugs, taking into account the stage of the pregnancy, so that the number of virus particles in the blood is as low as possible. It is indeed best to have a caesarean section, and preferably before the membranes break. The baby must be treated with an antiviral syrup for 6 weeks until it is certain that he or she is not infected. It is best not to breastfeed. When all these measures are observed, the chance of an infection of the baby is very small.
Answered by
Prof. dr. Dr Koenraad Smets
newborns.
http://www.ugent.be
.