HIV testing in pregnancy: are we testing enough?

Epstein-Barr Encephalitis in a Child with Congenital Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection: A Case Report Calling for No Forgetfulness

BACKGROUND

In resource-rich settings, the rate of mother-to-child transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has dramatically decreased by virtue of a combination of preventive strategies during the last two decades.

CASE PRESENTATION

We present a case of progressive developmental milestone loss in a toddler with previously unknown congenitally acquired human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, complicated by an Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) coinfection.

CONCLUSION

Our report underscores the differential diagnosis between HIV encephalopathy and EBV encephalitis and the vertical transmission of the HIV infection, which constitutes an alarming issue in terms of public health.

Factors Associated with HIV Testing History among Pregnant Women and Their Partners in Georgia: The ANRS 12127 Prenahtest Trial

Despite the benefits of timely diagnosis of HIV infection and the wide availability of VCT services, the acceptance of HIV testing and counseling still remains a challenge in Georgia. The goal of our study was to assess the history of HIV testing and associated factors among pregnant women. The recruitment of study participants took place during routine antenatal care visits at one of the large Maternity Hospitals in Tbilisi, capital of Georgia. A total of 491 pregnant women were included in the sample. More than a third of women (38.5%) reported that they were tested for HIV before the current pregnancy and almost all of them (91.5%) were tested during previous pregnancies. Bivariate analysis revealed statistically significant association of women's history of HIV testing with age, education level, remunerated activity, history of STI, and multiparity. In multivariate analysis, the only independent predictor of being HIV tested was ever being pregnant. In conclusion, HIV testing history among women at reproductive age was poor in Georgia. Women mostly received HIV testing at prenatal centers. Efforts should be made to promote HIV testing in primary care settings, which would increase its acceptability and overall testing rate in the population.