Prevent

HIV Transmission

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HIV Transmission, HIV Transmission Prevention

  • See Also
  1. HIV Exposure
  2. HIV Pathophysiology
  • Transmission
  1. See HIV Exposure for estimated risk per exposure type
  2. HIV is passed via cellular fluids
    1. Sexual intercourse
    2. Breast Milk
    3. Blood exposure
    4. Transfusions
      1. Whole blood, RBC, WBC, Clotting Factors and Plasma Transfusions may transmit HIV
      2. Gamma Globulin Administration is NOT associated with HIV Transmission
  3. HIV is present in other fluids, but not transmitted
    1. Urine
    2. Feces
    3. Sweat
    4. Sputum or Saliva (not spread by kissing or sharing food)
    5. Tears
  4. Transmission is potentiated by other factors
    1. Menses
    2. Concurrent other Sexually Transmitted Infection (e.g. Syphilis, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea)
      1. Coinfection increases localized inflammation (e.g. epididymis, Urethra, vagina)
      2. Inflammation increases the number of HIV-carrying Macrophages
  5. HIV is NOT spread by other listed exposures
    1. Mosquito Bites (or other vectors)
  • Prevention
  • Sexual behaviors
  1. General
    1. Safest behavior is abstinence
    2. If not abstinent, then practice monogamy
    3. If not monogamous, then limit number of partners
  2. Preventive strategies
    1. Disclose your HIV status to all sexual partners
    2. Always use Condoms (reduces transmission risk by 80-95%)
    3. Consider Male Circumcision if uncircumsized (reduces transmission risk by 50-80%)
    4. Avoid behaviors that cause mucosal Trauma
    5. No sex unless sober
  1. Strongly consider drug rehabilitation program
  2. Do not share needles
  3. Use new needles (bleach needles if not new)
  • Prevention
  • Household measures
  1. HIV is not spread by casual contact
  2. However, precautions are recommended:
    1. Apply bleach to blood spills
    2. Do not share ToothBrushes or razors
  • Prevention
  • Medical Care
  1. See HIV Preexposure Prophylaxis
  2. See HIV Postexposure Prophylaxis
  3. Treat comorbid Sexually Transmitted Disease
    1. STDs facilitate HIV Transmission
  4. Early diagnosis and treatment of HIV
    1. Transmission still occurs at undetectable viral load
    2. Antiretrovirals dramatically lower transmission risk
      1. Prenatal HIV diagnosis and treatment is critical
      2. Sexual partners also benefit from lower risk
  • References
  1. (2003) MMWR Recomm Rep 52:1-24 [PubMed]