Forum on Women and HIV: VIRAL LOAD in pregnancy

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		VIRAL LOAD in pregnancy Aug 2, 2005 What is the viral load required for giving birth a normal baby by a hiv+ ve women? and what level of cd4 count should be there for the above need?


Advertisement Response from Dr. Luzuriaga There is not an absolute number that predicts transmission or non-transmission. However, transmission of HIV from an HIV positive mother to her baby is uncommon when the viral load is under 1000 copies/ml; when mom's viral load is undetectable AND she is on antiretroviral medications, the risk of transmission in under 1%. In general, the lower the CD4 count, the higher the risk of transmission but again, women can transmit at any CD4 level and there is no CD4+ T cell number that predicts transmission or non-transmission. Want to read more questions and answers on this subject? Our experts have answered many similar questions!

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