Human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) infection in infants and children

[Julian]

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is caused by the retrovirus HIV-1 (and less commonly by the related retrovirus HIV-2). Infection leads to progressive immunologic deterioration and opportunistic infections and cancers. The end stage is acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Diagnosis is by viral antibodies in children gt; 18 months and virologic nucleic acid amplification tests (such as polymerase chain reaction testing) in children lt; 18 months. Treatment is with combinations of antiretroviral drugs.
(See also Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection in adults.)
The general natural history and pathophysiology of pediatric HIV infection is similar to that in adults; however, the method of infection, clinical presentations, and treatments often differ. HIV-infected children also have unique social integration issues.