Vertical Transmission of HIV: Risks and Testing Explained

Q: Vertical Transmission of HIV: Risks and Testing Explained

Hello： As long as the HIV virus is present, there is a risk of infection. <br>You can go to the hospital to get tested for HIV. <br>Of course, you need to inform the physician in order to receive the test. <br>The transmission routes for HIV include blood, semen, and vaginal flui

HIV/AIDS (Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome)

I would like to ask if there is still a risk of vertical transmission of infection after more than ten years.
When getting a blood test, will they check for HIV specifically, or is it a separate test? If my parents do not have HIV, is it certain that we will not have it either? There have been no inappropriate behaviors.

nan, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/11/17

Dr. Xie Rongyuan reply Internal Medicine

Hello: As long as the HIV virus is present, there is a risk of infection.
You can go to the hospital to get tested for HIV.
Of course, you need to inform the physician in order to receive the test.
The transmission routes for HIV include blood, semen, and vaginal fluids, especially when there are open wounds on the body.
Thank you for your message!

Reply Date: 2020/11/17

More Info

Vertical transmission of HIV, also known as mother-to-child transmission (MTCT), occurs when an HIV-positive mother passes the virus to her child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. The risk of vertical transmission can vary based on several factors, including the mother's HIV status, whether she is receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART), and the mode of delivery.

If a mother is HIV-positive and not on treatment, the risk of transmitting the virus to her child can be as high as 25% to 30%. However, with effective ART, this risk can be reduced to less than 1%. This means that if a mother has been on ART throughout her pregnancy and has maintained an undetectable viral load, the likelihood of transmitting HIV to her child is extremely low.

In your case, if it has been over a decade since the potential vertical transmission, and if both parents are confirmed HIV-negative, the risk of you being infected with HIV through vertical transmission is virtually nonexistent. HIV is not a hereditary disease, and the virus cannot be passed down genetically. Therefore, if both of your parents have been tested and are negative for HIV, you would not have contracted the virus from them.

Regarding testing, standard blood tests for HIV typically include both antibody tests and antigen tests. These tests are designed to detect the presence of HIV in the body. If you undergo a blood test for HIV, it will indeed check for the virus, and if you are HIV-negative, it means that you do not have the virus in your system at the time of testing.
It is important to note that if you have concerns about your HIV status or potential exposure, it is advisable to get tested. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that individuals who are at risk for HIV, including those with multiple sexual partners or those who engage in unprotected sex, get tested at least once a year.
In summary, if both of your parents are HIV-negative and you have not engaged in any high-risk behaviors, the likelihood of you being infected with HIV through vertical transmission is extremely low. Regular testing is a good practice for maintaining your health and peace of mind. If you have any further concerns or questions, it is always best to consult with a healthcare provider who can provide personalized advice based on your specific situation.

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