Seroprevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Among Antenatal Women in One of the Institute of Northern India.

INTRODUCTION: As per NACO publication there are an estimated 2.08 Million HIV/AIDS cases in India as of February 2014. The estimated adult HIV prevalence in India is 0.27%, with a gender spit of 0.32% males and 0.22% females. Estimating the seroprevalence of HIV in a low risk population such as pregnant women provides essential information for an effective implementation of AIDS control programmes. In spite of an estimated adult HIV prevalence rate of 0.18% in Punjab, there are no previous studies among antenatal women to assess seroprevalence.

AIM: To assess the prevalence of HIV infection, among otherwise healthy pregnant females.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study reviewed treatment records of 3686 antenatal women who underwent HIV testing. Demographic, obstetric and laboratory data was recorded into a preset proforma. Available data was analysed using SPSS version 13.

RESULTS: Total of 38 subjects tested positive for HIV infection. Seroprevalence rate was 1.03%. A 25 -30 years age group had most number of infected individuals with 22 (57.89%) subjects. Seropositivity was common among rural domicile. Only 9 (23.68%) was aware of their seropositive status. A total of 20 (52.63%) subjects were illiterate, 14 (36.84%) had received primary school education.

CONCLUSION: Seroprevalence rate of 1.03% reported in this study has been the highest among the contemporary articles published in last decade. Efficient surveillance along with proper implementation of Prevention of Parent to Child Transmission (PPTCT) is the need of the day. A prompt action at the hands of the authority will enable us to safeguard our present and future alike.