Which of the following act as a means of transmission of HIV infection in newborn –
**Core Concept**
During pregnancy, HIV can be transmitted to the fetus through the placenta, and to the newborn during delivery through various routes, including vertical transmission. This occurs when the virus is present in the maternal bloodstream, breast milk, or genital tract.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The primary routes of HIV transmission in newborns are through maternal-infant transmission during delivery or through breast milk. Intrapartum transmission (during delivery) occurs when the baby is exposed to the virus in the birth canal, while postpartum transmission (after birth) occurs through breastfeeding. The risk of HIV transmission from mother to child can be significantly reduced with antiretroviral therapy (ART) and other preventive measures.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This choice is incorrect as there is no known direct association between the mentioned route and HIV transmission in newborns.
**Option B:** This choice is incorrect as HIV is not typically transmitted through this route, especially in the context of newborns.
**Option C:** This choice is incorrect as there is no known direct association between the mentioned route and HIV transmission in newborns.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
To reduce the risk of HIV transmission from mother to child, antiretroviral therapy (ART) should be initiated as early as possible during pregnancy, continued during labor and delivery, and discontinued after 4-6 weeks postpartum.
**Correct Answer: C. Intrapartum transmission (during delivery) through the birth canal.**