A Case of Mother-to-Child HIV transmission, Taiwan, 2023

DOI: 10.6524/EB.202511_41(22).0002

Jen-Ying Yeh^*, Yu-Bei Liu, Yi-Hua Chou, Yeuan-Perng Tsay, Tzu-Chun Chen, Hui-Rong Liu

2025 Vol.41 NO.22

Correspondence Author： Jen-Ying Yeh

Abstract：

Vertical transmission of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) from mother to child has decreased significantly since the implementation of the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control's comprehensive HIV screening program for pregnant women in 2005. However, sporadic cases still occur. In 2023, a rare case of precipitate delivery resulting in HIV transmission from mother to child was reported in Taiwan. The mother had not undergone regular prenatal care and screening. Although she sought medical care during pregnancy, HIV testing was not performed due to the absence of her maternal health records. At 35 weeks of pregnancy, she experienced severe abdominal pain and underwent precipitated delivery at the hospital. Time constraints prevented HIV rapid screening and the administration of antiviral therapy during delivery. To prevent such transmissions in the future, it is crucial to strengthen HIV screening protocols for pregnant women in medical institutions, refine procedures for HIV rapid screening during pregnancy and childbirth, and conduct thorough epidemiological investigations.