Infant of HIV +ve mother, which should be done –
The core concept here is the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV. The main interventions include antiretroviral therapy for the mother during pregnancy, delivery, and for the infant post-birth. The correct answer likely involves the administration of antiretroviral drugs to the infant to prevent infection.
Now, considering the options, the correct answer would be giving the infant a specific regimen. The standard is to start the infant on zidovudine (AZT) within the first 6-12 hours of life, along with possible other drugs like nevirapine. The duration is typically 4-6 weeks. So the correct answer would be Option C: Give zidovudine to infant for 6 weeks.
The other options might be incorrect if they suggest different drugs, incorrect dosing durations, or unnecessary tests. For example, Option A might suggest a different antiretroviral not used in this context. Option B could be about testing the infant for HIV immediately, which isn't done because of possible maternal antibodies. Option D might be about unnecessary interventions like a different drug class.
The clinical pearl here is that immediate antiretroviral prophylaxis in the infant significantly reduces transmission risk. Also, note that the mother's adherence to her own ART is crucial. So, the key takeaway is zidovudine for 4-6 weeks in the infant.
**Core Concept**
The question tests knowledge of preventing vertical transmission of HIV from mother to infant. Key interventions include maternal antiretroviral therapy (ART) during pregnancy, elective cesarean delivery, and **prophylactic ART in the neonate** to reduce perinatal transmission risk.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer involves administering **zidovudine (AZT)** to the infant for **4–6 weeks** post-birth. This is a standard prophylactic regimen to prevent HIV transmission. AZT is given within 6–12 hours of birth and continued for 4–6 weeks, regardless of the mother’s viral load or ART adherence during pregnancy. It works by inhibiting reverse transcriptase, blocking viral replication in exposed infants.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Suggests giving nevirapine alone. While nevirapine is used in some protocols, monotherapy is less effective than AZT for neonatal prophylaxis.
**Option B:** Recommends testing the infant for HIV immediately. HIV testing in neonates is unreliable due to maternal antibodies; PCR for HIV DNA is preferred after 14 days.
**Option D:** Proposes a 6-week course of nystatin. Nystatin treats fungal infections, not HIV prophylaxis.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
**AZT prophylaxis in infants reduces transmission risk by 50–70%**. Always start within 6–12 hours of birth. Remember: *“AZT for the baby, 4–6 weeks to stay.”* Avoid monotherapy (e.g., nevirapine alone) in high-risk