Can HIV cause Trisomy 13 or Trisomy 18?

Following the recent storyline in Eastenders, where a couple have received a diagnosis of Trisomy 18, we wanted to answer a question that may arise from this. Can HIV cause Trisomy 13 or Trisomy 18?

In the story, the mothers partner has been diagnosed with HIV, and there have been questions regarding whether it could be a cause Trisomy 13 or Trisomy 18. In light of this, we wanted to reach out to our professional advisers for comment.

Here’s what they had to say:

Dr Nora Shannon Consultant Clinical Geneticist, Nottingham City Hospital said:

‘I would just explain that HIV is a viral infection and this doesn’t affect the way we separate our chromosomes to make egg and sperm cells.

Couples understandably worry that something they did before or during the pregnancy caused the trisomy to happen. They don’t always voice it so it can be helpful to say it, whether or not they ask.’

We hope that this helps to answer the question when it arises. SOFT UK does not offer medical advice but we do work closely with our incredible medical advisers to answer specific questions when we can. If you have any concerns around your own situation, it is imperative that you speak with your own medical consultant who will be able to give you answers specific to you.

We also hosted a podcast roundtable to discuss this with Nora Shannon and one of our support co-ordinators, Laura Petrie.

If you have been affected at all by this storyline or need to reach out to our support team, please complete the below form and one of our team will be in touch.