Seroprevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection in Pregnancy in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Mumbai

Background - Estimating the seroprevalence of HIV in a low risk population such as pregnant women provides essential information for an effective implementation of AIDS control programmes and also for monitoring HIV spread within the country. HIV infection in women occurs primarily during their reproductive years, hence pregnancy provides a unique opportunity for implementing prevention strategies against HIV infection. If we estimate the seroprevalence in pregnancy, the effective and timely intervention will reduce the transmission of infection to newborns.

Aim - To study the seroprevalence of HIV infection in pregnancy in a tertiary care hospital.

Material and Methods - Blood samples of pregnant women with written informed consent were collected and tested for HIV antibodies as per National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) guidelines over a period of three years from January 2007 to December 2009.

Results - Of the 8136 pregnant women tested in three years, 182 (2.24%) women were found to be HIV seroreactive (CI 1.92-2.56). Majority of the seroreactive pregnant women 41% were in the age group of 25-29 years followed by the 20-24 yrs (37%) and 30-34 years (14%) age group.

Conclusion - As prevalence of HIV infection in pregnant women is high and in the absence of protective vaccine, it is important to educate and create awareness among them about HIV infection in order to safe guard our future generation. Timely detection and effective counselling can prevent further pregnancies and consequent transmission of HIV infection to the offspring.