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Pediatric HIV infection

R Sehgal1, U K Baveja, D Chattopadhya

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, VMMC and Safdarjang Hospital, Delhi, India. rachnakhera6@rediffmail.com

Indian Journal of Pediatrics
|January 5, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection is a significant childhood disease in Northern India, primarily transmitted from mother to child or through blood transfusions. Unsafe medical practices remain a concern for pediatric HIV transmission.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Clinical Virology
  • Public Health Epidemiology

Background:

  • Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection presents unique challenges in pediatric populations.
  • Understanding the clinical profile and transmission routes is crucial for effective management and prevention strategies in children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the clinical characteristics of HIV infection in children in Northern India.
  • To identify the primary modes of HIV transmission among pediatric cases.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study evaluated 64 children (newborn to 18 years) diagnosed with or monitored for HIV.
  • Children were classified using the CDC classification for Pediatric HIV.
  • Diagnosis was confirmed via serological tests or PCR assay; CD4-CD8 counts were determined using FACS Count.

Main Results:

  • The majority of pediatric HIV cases were observed in children aged 18 months to 5 years, with adolescents accounting for 24%.
  • Mother-to-child transmission (51.5%) and transfusion-mediated infection (39%) were the predominant transmission routes.
  • Unsafe medical injections (6.2%) and heterosexual promiscuity (3.1%) also contributed to transmission. Clubbing was noted in 9.3% of cases, a finding not previously reported in Indian studies.

Conclusions:

  • HIV infection is a chronic childhood illness that can extend into adolescence.
  • Contaminated blood and unsafe medical injections continue to be significant routes of HIV transmission in India.
  • The findings highlight the need for continued vigilance and targeted interventions to curb pediatric HIV transmission.
Abstract

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