**Core Concept**
The prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV is a critical aspect of HIV management, particularly in pregnant women. The treatment involves administering antiretroviral therapy (ART) to the mother during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum, as well as providing zidovudine (AZT) to the newborn.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The primary drugs used for PMTCT are antiretroviral agents that act on different stages of the HIV life cycle. Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) such as zidovudine (AZT) and lamivudine (3TC) are commonly used. Protease inhibitors (PIs) like lopinavir/ritonavir and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) like nevirapine (NVP) are also employed. These medications reduce the viral load, thereby minimizing the risk of mother-to-child transmission.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** - This option is incorrect as it does not specify a particular drug.
**Option B:** - This option is incorrect as it is not a commonly used medication for PMTCT.
**Option C:** - This option is incorrect as it is not a standard antiretroviral drug used for preventing HIV transmission.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
It's essential to note that the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a single-dose nevirapine (SD-NVP) regimen for PMTCT in resource-limited settings, in addition to lifelong ART for the mother. This regimen has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of mother-to-child transmission.
**Correct Answer:** D.
Free Medical MCQs · NEET PG · USMLE · AIIMS
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