Early Infant Diagnosis of HIV: Molecular Screening Strategies and Global Prevention Outcomes

Wotsomu Evasi

Clinical Pharmacology and Antimicrobial resistance Kampala International University Uganda

Email: evasi.wotsomu@stdwc.kiu.ac.ug

                                                                                            ABSTRACT
Pediatric human immunodeficiency virus infection remained a major global health challenge, particularly in regions with high maternal prevalence and limited diagnostic infrastructure. Early infant diagnosis was essential because untreated infants experience rapid disease progression and high mortality within the first two years of life. The purpose of this review was to critically examine the molecular basis, diagnostic technologies, implementation strategies, and global prevention outcomes associated with early infant HIV screening. This narrative review was developed through comprehensive synthesis of current molecular, clinical, and public health literature on nucleic acid-based infant HIV testing and prevention of mother-to-child transmission programs. Evidence demonstrated that virological assays, including HIV DNA and RNA polymerase chain reaction platforms, enabled accurate detection despite persistence of maternal antibodies that confound serological testing. Expansion of point-of-care molecular diagnostics and dried blood spot technologies improved accessibility in resource-constrained settings, contributing to earlier treatment initiation and significant reductions in infant morbidity and mortality. Nevertheless, disparities in infrastructure, turnaround time, and programmatic integration continued to limit universal coverage. Strengthening laboratory capacity, decentralizing testing, and integrating digital health systems
are critical to achieving elimination targets.

Keywords: Early infant diagnosis, HIV molecular testing, Polymerase chain reaction, Mother-to-child transmission, Global health outcomes.

CITE AS: Wotsomu Evasi (2026). Early Infant Diagnosis of HIV: Molecular Screening Strategies and Global Prevention Outcomes. IDOSR JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL SCIENCES 12(2): 10-14. https://doi.org/10.59298/IDOSR/JES/06/1221014