UPSC Prelims 2010·GS1·science-and-technology·science and technology

With regard to the transmission of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, which one of the following statements is not correct?

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Last updated 23 May 2026, 3:31 pm IST
  1. AThe chances of transmission from female to male are twice as likely as from male to femaleCorrect
  2. BThe chances of transmission are more if a person suffers from other sexually transmitted infections
  3. CAn infected mother can transmit the infection to her baby during pregnancy, at childbirth and by breast feeding
  4. 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.
science-and-technology: With regard to the transmission of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, which one of the following statements is not correc

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