Definitive diagnosis of HIV infection in a neonate born to an HIV-positive mother requires detection of which marker?

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Prepare for the NCC Board Certification as a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP-BC) Exam. Access flashcards and multiple-choice questions, complete with hints and explanations. Maximize your readiness for the NNP-BC exam!

Multiple Choice

Definitive diagnosis of HIV infection in a neonate born to an HIV-positive mother requires detection of which marker?

Explanation:
Maternal antibodies cross into the newborn, so antibody-based testing cannot distinguish infant infection from passive transfer. A definitive diagnosis in a neonate requires direct evidence of the virus itself. Detecting HIV-specific RNA in the infant’s blood by a nucleic acid test shows active viral replication and confirms infection regardless of maternal antibodies, making it the most reliable early marker. While HIV DNA testing can also indicate infection and p24 antigen can be detected, RNA testing is the standard method for establishing infection in the newborn period.

Maternal antibodies cross into the newborn, so antibody-based testing cannot distinguish infant infection from passive transfer. A definitive diagnosis in a neonate requires direct evidence of the virus itself. Detecting HIV-specific RNA in the infant’s blood by a nucleic acid test shows active viral replication and confirms infection regardless of maternal antibodies, making it the most reliable early marker. While HIV DNA testing can also indicate infection and p24 antigen can be detected, RNA testing is the standard method for establishing infection in the newborn period.

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