The first success in preventing maternal-fetal transmission in a pregnant HIV-infected woman at Juntendo University Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: New cases of HIV infection are increasing in Japan. Most of this increase has been seen among male homosexuals, but a report in 2007 also showed an increase among females. We have recently achieved the first success in preventing maternal-fetal transmission in a pregnant HIV-infected woman at Juntendo University Hospital. Case: This report describes a 40-year-old female infected with HIV. Discussion: Prevention of maternal-fetal HIV transmission requires specific management at each stage of pregnancy. The Department of Health and Human Service guidelines recommend starting anti-HIV therapy, including zidovudine (AZT), at gestational week 14 to effectively prevent maternal-fetal infection. We were the first to successfully prevent maternal-fetal transmission with anti-HIV therapy in this pregnant HIV-infected woman at Juntendo University Hospital.