News
Rapid saliva test helps block HIV virus from mothers to children
Published: 6 May 2008
Researchers at ³ÉÈËVRÊÓƵ have field-tested in India a rapid saliva test for HIV that was shown to be highly effective in preventing transmission of the virus from HIV-positive mothers to their children. "In rural India, most women do not show up for testing before birth because of stigma and discrimination," said Nikita Pant Pai, of the division of infectious diseases at the ³ÉÈËVRÊÓƵ University Health Centre. "As a result, they show up during labour without a history of HIV testing. So at that point, it's important to know their status to intervene and prevent transmission."