Human immunodeficiency virus infection in pregnancy.

The pace at which our knowledge and treatment of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has advanced has been staggering. A disease that was unknown two decades ago, that was untreatable only a decade ago, and whose rate of mother-to-child transmission was immutable just 5 years ago, is now readily diagnosed, treated with increasing effectiveness, and blocked from transmission in the large majority of cases. None of these advances can be provided to patients unless their physicians actively screen patients and, for those identified as HIV infected, assure them of access to the latest therapies. This article is a primer for those obstetricians who would engage in such efforts. The data that form the basis of therapy are provided as well as clinical guidelines for the care of the pregnant woman infected with HIV.