Currently, due to the increase in the incidence of HIV infection in women of reproductive age, the number of desired pregnancies in such patients has increased. This makes it necessary to study the pathological effect of the human immunodeficiency virus on the placenta, fetus and the female body as a whole. HIV belongs to retroviruses and contributes to the discoordination of a woman's immune mechanisms. Using the gp41 and gp120 glycoproteins, reverse transcriptase, integrase, and protease, the virus destroys CD4 cells and increases the viral load. It founded that the risk of infection of the fetus decreases from 45% to 1% with HIV infection before pregnancy and with antiretroviral therapy throughout its duration. Vertical infection is possible in the intrauterine, intranatal and postnatal periods, the main of which is the period of childbirth-up to 70%. Viral, maternal, placental, fetal, obstetric and neonatal factors contribute to an increased risk of transmission of the pathogen to the fetus. High viral load and antiretroviral therapy lead in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy to the development of chronic placental insufficiency due to the formation of focal and diffuse deciduitis, membranitis, intervillusitis and chorionamnionitis and damage to the hematoplacental barrier. Early diagnosis before 12 weeks of gestation, timely therapy with nucleoside and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, as well as protease inhibitors during pregnancy, childbirth and in the postpartum period are the main aspects of preventing HIV infection and further disorders of the child's growth and development. The timely choice of the method of delivery, indications and contraindications to delivery through the natural birth canal helps to reduce the risk of infection in a particularly dangerous period - the intrapartum.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection, Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) Use and Access to Care for Diabetes and Hypertension in Agincourt, South Africa
