HIV in pregnancy

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Infectious Diseases
• Epidemiology

Background:

• The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends voluntary Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) screening for all pregnant patients.
• The incidence of heterosexual HIV transmission is increasing in South Dakota.
• Seven new cases of HIV/AIDS were diagnosed in women aged 15-39 in South Dakota in 2000.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the incidence of HIV in women of childbearing age in South Dakota.
• To determine if aggressive HIV testing is warranted in this population.

Main Methods:

• Review of HIV surveillance data in South Dakota.
• Analysis of reported cases of HIV/AIDS in women of childbearing age.
• Examination of maternal-to-fetal transmission rates since 1985.

Main Results:

• Five cases of maternal-to-fetal HIV transmission have been reported in South Dakota since 1985.
• Heterosexual transmission is an increasing mode of HIV infection in the state.
• Seven new HIV/AIDS diagnoses occurred in women aged 15-39 in 2000.

Conclusions:

• The rising incidence of heterosexual HIV transmission among women of childbearing age in South Dakota suggests a need for continued surveillance and potentially enhanced screening strategies.
• While maternal-to-fetal transmission rates have been low, the increasing trend in new diagnoses warrants attention to prevent further spread.