Which statement about HIV transmission is false?

• A. HIV can be transmitted through vaginal fluids
• B. HIV can be transmitted by kissing
• C. HIV can be transmitted by sharing needles
• D. HIV can be transmitted by unprotected sex

Answer: (B)

HIV transmission requires exposure to certain infected body fluids in a way that allows the virus to enter the bloodstream or mucous membranes. The fluids that can carry HIV include blood, semen, vaginal fluids, rectal fluids, and breast milk. This is why sharing needles (blood exposure), unprotected sex (mucous membrane contact with infected fluids), and vaginal fluid contact are recognized transmission routes.

Kissing, on the other hand, is not a transmission route for HIV under normal circumstances. Saliva contains enzymes and factors that inactivate HIV, and the virus is not present in enough quantity in saliva to spread infection. The statement that HIV can be transmitted by kissing is therefore false.