Antiretroviral drugs usage in HIV-positive pregnant women

In the last decade an enormous success in the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV infection occurred globally, but there are still problems with availability of antiretroviral therapies (ART) in low-middle income countries. According to WHO guidelines, it is critical whether the pregnant woman is eligible for ART or not. Unfortunately, in most cases of HIV-positive pregnant women ART is started later than it is suggested in WHO guidelines. A risk of the mother-to-child infection with no ART amounts to around 19-36%. In the untreated group of infants, in 20% of cases, progression to AIDS occurs in the first year of life. Infection with HIV in infants is more difficult to diagnose and treat in comparison to adult HIV infection. Currently, use of the appropriate therapy allows to prevent mother-to-child infection in almost 100% of cases of HIV-positive pregnant women.