Annals of internal medicine
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Infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (formerly HTLV-III/LAV) is transmitted by sexual contact, by blood and blood products, and perinatally. There is no evidence for casual transmission. The risk to health care workers is low but appropriate infection control precautions should be taken. ⋯ Counseling and HIV antibody testing should be offered to pregnant high-risk women. Laboratories that process specimens potentially containing HIV virus should adhere to maximum containment procedures. An intensive and continuing educational program on the epidemiology of HIV infection and appropriate infection control practice is recommended.