ABSTRACT
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection has been spreading rapidly in the developing countries and vertical transmission also taking place. This study has been done to find out the prevalence of HIV infection among the pregnant women, so that necessity of routine screening test can be identified. It is a cross sectional study. Five hundred two pregnant women were included. Three ml venous blood was taken and then HIV screening test was done by ELISA method. All reactive tests were confirmed by Western blot antibody testing. The positive cases were followed up and necessary treatment was given. Delivery was conducted in this hospital. Baby's blood was tested to see vertical transmission after 18 months. Most of the subject were educated housewife, mean age was 25 years. Six (6%) husband was overseas service holder, 12% were smoker and 1.6% had drug addiction. Eight (8%) subject had previous history of blood transfusion and 49% subject or her husband had history of surgery or got parental therapy. 2% subject gave the history of familial disharmony and 2% had multiple sex partners. HIV infection was found in 2 patients (0.4%). Both of them got infection from their husband. One husband was over seas service holder and another one was injecting drug user. For the prevention of spread, reduction of vertical transmission and providing early management to the positive patient all pregnant women should be screened for HIV routinely.
