| Keywords [eng] |
human immunodeficiency virus, HIV mechanism, HIV in pregnancy, Africa, evolution of HIV, HIV treatment, HIV prenatal care, screening tests, resource-limited, high-income, postpartum HIV, HIV worldwide. |
| Abstract [eng] |
The human immunodeficiency virus acts mainly in CD4+T cells, spreads in the body for years, possibly without symptoms until deterioration. Medical treatment developed against the enzyme’s reverse transcriptase, integrase, and protease that play a crucial role in viral replication. Viral test is indicated for every pregnant woman, while in the past, only special populations deserved it. When a woman’s result is positive, viral load, CD4+ count, and viral genetic tests are done. In the treatment of this population, massive progress has been made. Monotherapy became Combination therapy prescribed for life contrary to the past when it was just indicated during pregnancy. Close monitoring and rapid tests are available today to control the treatment and prevent transmission to their children. Despite the high disease rate in developing countries, we see better management in developed countries with better financial resources, knowledge of society, and a wider range of medications. It is hard to overcome the gap because of the globally known problems: lack of finances, stigmas, lack of support, and limited government resources. Despite all this, we see an ongoing global fight against the virus that has progressed positively. Today approximately eighty-five percents of positive women receive drug treatment, and the percentage of mother-to-child transmission with appropriate treatment is less than 1 percent. The gap between the countries is still huge, but the attempts to reduce and overcome the spread of the disease are succeeding with more resources and advocacy. |
