The drug(s) currently recommended by National AIDS Control Organization for prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV infection are :
**Core Concept**
The prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV involves the use of antiretroviral drugs to reduce the viral load in pregnant women and prevent transmission to the fetus. This approach is critical in preventing HIV infection in newborns and reducing the spread of the virus.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The National AIDS Control Organization recommends the use of antiretroviral therapy (ART) with a combination of zidovudine (AZT), lamivudine (3TC), and nevirapine (NVP) for PMTCT. Zidovudine is administered to the mother during pregnancy and labor, while nevirapine is given to the mother and the newborn after delivery. This combination has been shown to reduce the risk of mother-to-child transmission of HIV by up to 70%. The use of antiretroviral drugs in PMTCT is based on the principle of reducing the viral load in the mother, thereby minimizing the risk of transmission to the fetus.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because antiretroviral therapy with a combination of drugs is recommended for PMTCT, not a single drug.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because while antiretroviral therapy is essential for PMTCT, the specific combination of zidovudine, lamivudine, and nevirapine is recommended, not a different combination.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
It is essential to note that the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National AIDS Control Organization recommend the use of antiretroviral therapy with a combination of zidovudine, lamivudine, and nevirapine for PMTCT in resource-limited settings.
**Correct Answer:** C. Zidovudine, lamivudine, and nevirapine.