Seroprevalence of human immunodeficiency virus infection in pregnancy in a tertiary care hospital

BACKGROUND: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) /Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is increasing at an alarming rate globally. It has now become a major challenge & threat to public health. HIV infection in women occur primarily during their reproductive years, hence pregnancy provides a unique opportunity for implementing prevention strategies against HIV infection. If we estimate seroprevalence in pregnancy, the effective & timely intervention will reduce the transmission of infection to newborns.
AIMS: To study the seroprevalence of HIV infection in pregnancy in a tertiary care hospital.
SETTING: Antenatal Care Clinic of a Tertiary Care Hospital.
DESIGN: A cross-sectional study.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: Blood samples of all the pregnant women with written consent were collected and tested for HIV antibodies as per National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) guidelines over a period from September 2002 to August 2004. However only those who were HIV seroreactive were included in this study. Spouses of seroreactive pregnant women were also counselled and tested. Statistical analysis was done using Chi-square test.
RESULTS: Out of the total 10683 blood samples from pregnant women tested, 147 (1.38%) were found to be HIV seroreactive. Seroreactive cases when compiled year-wise, showed increase in the seroprevalence from 1.24% in September 2002 - August 2003 to 1.45% in September 2003 - August 2004. Majority 69 (46.94%) seroreactive pregnant women were in the age group of 19-24 years followed by 25-29 years age group (31.29%). Out of 88 spouses of HIV seroreactive pregnant women, 85 (96.59%) were found to be HIV seroreactive.
CONCLUSION: In the present study, seroprevalence of HIV infection was found to be1.38% amongst pregnant women.

Keywords
Seroprevalence., Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) antibodies, Pregnant Women