In HIV, the virus cannot be transmitted by?

Appeared in: AIIMS BBSR SNO - 2019

Explanation

HIV is not transmitted through casual physical contact, such as shaking hands.
The virus is not found in sweat and cannot penetrate intact skin, which acts as a barrier.
Transmission requires direct contact with specific infected body fluids (like blood or semen) and a route of entry into the body (like a mucous membrane or break in the skin).

Option B: Receiving a transfusion with HIV-infected blood is a highly effective, though now rare, mode of transmission.
Option C: Sexual intercourse, particularly unprotected anal or vaginal sex, is the most common mode of HIV transmission worldwide.
Option D: Sharing needles or syringes contaminated with infected blood is a direct parenteral route for HIV transmission.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Modes of HIV transmission as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
A primary role for nurses is to educate patients, families, and the community to dispel myths and reduce the stigma and fear surrounding HIV/AIDS.
Understanding transmission routes is fundamental to consistently applying Standard Precautions (e.g., using gloves, safe needle disposal) to protect both patients and healthcare workers from bloodborne pathogens.
What if? If a healthcare worker sustains a needlestick injury from a known HIV-positive source, the risk of transmission is approximately 0.3%. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) must be initiated immediately, ideally within 2 hours and no later than 72 hours, to significantly reduce this risk.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the negative keyword 'cannot' in the question. This signals that you must find the option that is NOT a valid method of HIV transmission.
Second, recall the three main routes of HIV transmission: sexual, parenteral (blood-related), and perinatal (mother to child).
Third, evaluate each option against these known routes:
'Shaking hands' is a form of casual contact, not a recognized transmission route.
'Blood transfusion' is a parenteral route.
'Sexual intercourse' is a sexual route.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Modes of HIV transmission
Stem keywords: HIV, virus, transmitted
Lead-in keywords: cannot be
Negative lead-in flag: The question asks for the method by which HIV is NOT transmitted, which is a negative framing.

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E6 Pathology- ROBBINS & COTRAN PATHOLOGIC BASIS OF DISEASE 10TH Ed p. 254-256

Practise the full AIIMS BBSR SNO - 2019

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.