Resumo

• It is recommended that all pregnant women be tested for HIV infection as early as possible in their pregnancy.
• Because many women with HIV infection (nearly two-thirds at some centres) enter pregnancy with a known diagnosis, a confidential review of the maternal history before HIV testing is vital.
• ELISA is the standard screening test for HIV infection. Positive antibody tests are confirmed using Western blot.
• A negative test does not preclude diagnosis, as antibody tests cannot exclude recent infection, and it is recommended that the test be repeated at 6 weeks after possible exposure.
• To prevent vertical viral transmission, highly active antiretroviral agent (HAART) therapy is initiated as soon as possible in the pregnancy.
• Scheduled caesarean delivery at 38 weeks’ gestation is recommended for women with HIV RNA levels >1000 copies/mL, or unknown, near the expected date of delivery.