Topsy HIV infection

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See discussion of HIV testing in prenatal health care. The same general issues apply in the non-pregnant population, except that the rationale for screening is more limited, since the issues of deciding whether to carry        a pregnancy to term or whether to breast-feed are not involved. The primary rationale for screening the asymptomatic  non-pregnant population at elevated risk is either to provide reassurance or to assist HIV infected individuals in planning their lives. even with a negative screening test result, however, reassurance can only be limited in view of the delay between infection and seroconversion. community-wide education and the promotion of safe sexual practices are likely to have a far greater impact on HIV infection than a large-scale screening effort. Thus, our recommendation on HIV screening is uncertain at this time. Emphases should be placed on primary prevention. If testing is done, resources need to be in place for skilled pre-and post-test counseling and social services for those found to be positive. 

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