Title: HIV infection in children: the widening gap between developing and industrialized countries.

POPLINE Document Number: 139987

Author(s):

Coulter JB

Source citation:

ANNALS OF TROPICAL PAEDIATRICS, 1998 Sep;(18 Suppl):S15-20.

Abstract:

The HIV/AIDS pandemic began approximately 20 years ago. Since then, there has been considerable progress in research on the mother-to-child transmission of HIV with regard to its epidemiology, immunology, transmission-associated factors, clinical syndromes, and prevention. While much of this research has taken place in developing countries with international support, HIV/AIDS-affected mothers and children in these countries have thus far benefitted little from their involvement in research efforts. This is especially so with regard to the administration of antiretroviral drugs during pregnancy, the early diagnosis of HIV infection in children, prophylaxis against Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) in early infancy, and facilities for the general support of affected families. In industrialized countries, the heterosexual spread of HIV occurs mainly among the poor and minority populations. However, in developing countries, HIV affects all levels of society. The author reviews the epidemiology of perinatal HIV infection, antenatal clinic HIV surveillance, vertical transmission, breast-feeding by HIV-infected mothers, clinical factors of HIV infection, social aspects of HIV infection, and preventing the vertical transmission of HIV from mother to child.

Keywords:

Developing Countries
Developed Countries
HIV Prevention
AIDS Prevention
Mother-to-Child Transmission
Epidemiology
Prevalence
Pregnant Women
Child
Breastfeeding
Morbidity
Screening
Drugs
Prevention and Control
HIV Infections
Viral Diseases
Diseases
AIDS
Public Health
Health
Measurement
Research Methodology
Population Characteristics
Demographic Factors
Population
Youth
Age Factors
Infant Nutrition
Nutrition
Examinations and Diagnoses
Treatment