With regard to the transmission of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, which one of the following statements is not correct?
- AThe chances of transmission from female to male are twice as likely as from male to femaleCorrect
- BThe chances of transmission are more if a person suffers from other sexually transmitted infections
- CAn infected mother can transmit the infection to her baby during pregnancy, at childbirth and by breast feeding
- DThe risk of contracting infection from transfusion of infected blood is much higher than an exposure to contaminated needle
Explanation
The statement in option A is incorrect because biological factors actually make the risk of HIV transmission from male to female significantly higher than from female to male. Women are more vulnerable due to a larger surface area of mucosal exposure and a higher concentration of the virus in semen compared to vaginal fluids.
Regarding the other options: B is correct because sores or inflammation from other STIs provide an easier entry point for the virus. C is correct as mother to child transmission can occur during any of those three stages. D is correct because blood transfusion involves a direct and large volume of infected blood entering the bloodstream, making it the most efficient mode of transmission compared to a needle stick injury.
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