Trends of human immunodeficiency virus prevalence and mother-to-child transmission at a tertiary care center in North India

Objectives Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is one of the most dreadful infections worldwide. Although the most common mode of transmission is unprotected sex in India, the threat of parent-to-child transmission (PTCT) serves as a major roadblock in curbing infection. The study was conducted to decipher trends of PTCT at tertiary care centers in North India. Materials and Methods This was a prospective study conducted over 8 years, wherein all pregnant women (19,996) attending antenatal clinics were included in the study. Testing was done free of cost, following a three-test protocol of the National Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome control organization. All newborns to HIV-positive females were tested and followed up to 18 months. Dry blood samples (DBS) collected at 1.5, 6, 12, and 18 months were tested using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). We also divulged the trend of HIV for all individuals attending integrated counseling and testing centers (ICTC). Statistical analysis Descriptive analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel and interpreted as percentages. Results A total of 36 (0.18%) reported HIV-positive and were counseled for implications on their health risk of sexual and vertical transmission. The yearly trend divulged decreasing HIV positivity, from 0.14% in 2014– 2015 to zero in 2021–2022, ranging from 0.11–0.22%. A similar trend was noted among ICTC, with 1.26% positivity (2020) and 2.23% in 2021, with overall positivity of 1.49%. All DBS samples reported negative for HIV deoxyribonucleic acid PCR. Conclusions The study underlines the role of monitoring, diagnostic, and counseling strategies in curbing transmission. Although the trend of HIV is declining, there is a constant need to screen all antenatal females to prevent vertical transmission.