Tuberculosis and pneumonia in HIV-infected children: an overview
Helena Rabie1,2,3, Pierre Goussard1
1Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Stellenbosch and Tygerberg Academic Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa.
Insights
Pneumonia is a major cause of child death. HIV-infected children face higher risks for respiratory infections, including tuberculosis, even as HIV transmission decreases.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Pneumonia is a leading cause of death in young children globally.
- Children with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have a high burden of lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs).
- Opportunistic pathogens like Pneumocystis jirovecii and cytomegalovirus are significant concerns in HIV-infected children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the impact of tuberculosis and other LRTIs on HIV-infected infants and children.
- To discuss the changing epidemiology of respiratory infections in HIV-infected children.
- To explore the increased vulnerability of HIV-exposed but uninfected infants to respiratory pathogens.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing research.
- Analysis of epidemiological trends in pediatric respiratory infections.
- Discussion of immunological factors contributing to increased susceptibility.
Main Results:
- HIV-infected children experience a disproportionate burden of LRTIs, including bacterial, viral, and tuberculous infections.
- Antiretroviral therapy and reduced vertical HIV transmission are altering infection patterns, but risks remain elevated.
- HIV-exposed but uninfected infants may possess immune deficits increasing their susceptibility to respiratory pathogens.
Conclusions:
- Despite advances in HIV management, HIV-infected children remain at high risk for severe respiratory infections.
- Understanding the specific vulnerabilities of HIV-exposed and HIV-infected infants is crucial for targeted interventions.
- Further research into the immune deficits of HIV-exposed infants is needed to mitigate respiratory risks.
Abstract:
Pneumonia remains the most common cause of hospitalization and the most important cause of death in young children. In high human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-burden settings, HIV-infected children carry a high burden of lower respiratory tract infection from common respiratory viruses, bacteria and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In addition, Pneumocystis jirovecii and cytomegalovirus are important opportunistic pathogens. As the vertical transmission risk of HIV decreases and access to antiretroviral therapy increases, the epidemiology of these infections is changing, but HIV-infected infants and children still carry a disproportionate burden of these infections. There is also increasing recognition of the impact of in utero exposure to HIV on the general health of exposed but uninfected infants. The reasons for this increased risk are not limited to socioeconomic status or adverse environmental conditions-there is emerging evidence that these HIV-exposed but uninfected infants may have particular immune deficits that could increase their vulnerability to respiratory pathogens. We discuss the impact of tuberculosis and other lower respiratory tract infections on the health of HIV-infected infants and children.
More Related Videos
11:32Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria
Published on: February 23, 2014
08:14An In Vitro Model for Measuring Immune Responses to Malaria in the Context of HIV Co-infection
Published on: October 6, 2015
Related Concept Videos
01:29Pulmonary Tuberculosis I
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
01:28Pulmonary Tuberculosis II
Here is a detailed explanation of its pathophysiology:
Transmission: The process begins when a person inhales droplet nuclei containing M. tuberculosis. These are typically released into the air when an individual with pulmonary or...
01:30Pneumonia I: Introduction
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
01:30Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment
01:29Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology
01:28Pulmonary Tuberculosis V
Latent tuberculosis infection occurs when TB bacteria are present in a person's body, but are not causing illness or symptoms. It is not contagious, and preventive treatment is crucial to avoid the...