Question:

A neonate is born to an HIV-positive mother with a viral load of 1200 copies/mL. What is the recommended antiretroviral prophylaxis for the newborn?

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HIV-exposed neonate with higher transmission risk may need dual prophylaxis with Nevirapine and Zidovudine.
Updated On: May 14, 2026
  • Nevirapine for 6 weeks with exclusive breastfeeding
  • Nevirapine + Zidovudine for 6 weeks with exclusive breastfeeding
  • No prophylaxis needed as mother is on ART
  • Nevirapine + Zidovudine for 12 weeks with exclusive breastfeeding
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Concept: Newborns of HIV-positive mothers require antiretroviral prophylaxis depending on risk status. Higher maternal viral load increases the risk of vertical transmission.

Step 1:
Identify risk status.
The mother is HIV-positive and has a viral load of: \[ 1200 \text{ copies/mL} \] This suggests increased transmission risk.

Step 2:
Select prophylaxis.
For higher-risk newborns, combination prophylaxis is preferred: \[ \text{Nevirapine + Zidovudine} \]

Step 3:
Recall duration.
The recommended duration in the given option is: \[ 12 \text{ weeks} \] Therefore, the correct answer is Nevirapine + Zidovudine for 12 weeks with exclusive breastfeeding.
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