An HIV-positive pregnant woman registers for antenatal care at a district hospital under the Prevention of Parent to Child Transmission (PPTCT) component of NACP. Which management approach is currently recommended?
- A Antiretroviral prophylaxis started only if CD4 count falls below 350 cells/mm3
- B Single-dose nevirapine at onset of labour with zidovudine for the newborn only
- C Lifelong antiretroviral therapy initiated regardless of CD4 count, continued after delivery ✓
- D Elective caesarean section offered to every HIV-positive woman irrespective of viral load
Correct answer: C. Lifelong antiretroviral therapy initiated regardless of CD4 count, continued after delivery
Explanation
NACP adopted the Option C+ approach: every pregnant or breastfeeding woman diagnosed with HIV receives lifelong triple-drug ART regardless of CD4 count or clinical stage, protecting the infant during gestation, delivery and breastfeeding while treating the mother herself. Single-dose nevirapine monotherapy is obsolete because it selects resistance and gives inferior suppression. Routine caesarean section is no longer advised when viral load is suppressed on ART.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.