Virological profile of pregnant HIV positive women with high levels of CD4 count in low income settings: can viral load help as eligibility criteria for maternal triple ARV prophylaxis (WHO 2010 option B)?

Introduction: The objective of the study was to determine HIV-1 RNA load profile during pregnancy and assess the eligibility for the maternal triple antiretroviral prophylaxis. It was an observational cohort of pregnant HIV positive women ignorant of antiretroviral therapy with CD4 cell count of > 350/mm(3) METHODS: Routine CD4 cell count assessment in HIV positive pregnant women completed by non exclusive measurement of the viral load by PCR /ARN in those with CD4 cell count > 350/mm(3).

Exclusion Criteria: highly active antiretroviral therapy prior to pregnancy.