Publication:

Seroprevalence of HIV in women attending antenatal clinic at KIMS hospital, Narketpally

Background To assess seroprevalence of HIV among antenatal women and the extent of utilization of therapeutic interventions to minimize the risk of mother to child transmission.

Methods Pregnant women attending antenatal clinic of a medical college in a rural area of Nalgonda district of Andhra Pradesh, India from August 2006 to July 2009 were tested for HIV by Rapid Test which included pre and post test counseling. Antiretroviral prophylaxis with nevirapine was given to seropositive mother-baby pairs during delivery.

Results Of the 5809 new antenatal booking visits 4848 attended pretest counseling and 4698 accepted HIV testing. Fifty three women were found to be seropositive. Sero-prevalence rate of HIV infection was 1.12%. Ten had opted for pregnancy termination. Out of forty three deliveries four were intrauterine deaths. All the newborns received nevirapine prophylaxis.

Conclusions The seroprevalence of HIV infection among antenatal women is 1.12% which was high as the institute is located in Andhra Pradesh which is a known high prevalence state. Thirty one babies tested after 18 months of age were negative. Nine babies died before they reached 18 months of age.