Question
Our baby has tuberculosis, does this mean they will be HIV positive?
22 May 2023. Related: All topics, Children, Complications and coinfections, HIV transmission.
I tested HIV positive last month and my partner tested negative. My one year old baby is also negative but our baby got sick. He was diagnosed with tuberculosis can the baby be HIV positive?
Answer
Hi, how are you doing?
No. Testing positive for tuberculosis does not mean baby will also have HIV.
Has baby started treatment for tuberculosis yet?
Are you on treatment? and do you know your viral load? Being on treatment with an undetectable viral load makes HIV transmission very unlikely. Is baby still being breastfed?
If baby is not being breastfed, they would be suitable for HIV testing to confirm their status.
Josh.