Motherisk update: Update on perinatal HIV

Question. Many patients in my practice come from countries where HIV is endemic. Are there current figures on their risk of being infected during pregnancy? Answer. In Ottawa and Toronto, Ont, about half the pregnant women identified as HIV-positive were born in countries where HIV is endemic. If you suspect a woman has HIV or have other questions, call the Motherisk HIV-Healthline at 1-888-246-5840. Human immunovirus infection among pregnant women continues to be a serious public health concern. Most fetuses can be protected from contracting HIV if appropriate antiretroviral (ARV) therapy is instituted.