HIV seropositivity in hospitalized children with high clinical likelihood of AIDS
Lahiri, S.; Shahab, T.; Malik, A.; Alam, S.
Indian Pediatrics 39(4): 372-375
2002
ISSN/ISBN: 0019-6061 PMID: 11976468 Document Number: 547372
122 hospitalized children (aged 3 months-12 years) from India, with high clinical likelihood of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) were screened between August 1997 and February 1999 to determine the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. The selection of cases was based on the WHO clinical criteria for diagnosis of AIDS in children in Developing Countries. Results revealed that only one child was seropositive for HIV. Of the 122 patients, 100 (81.9%), 76 (62.3%) and 38 (31.1%) cases presented with the major criteria of failure to thrive, fever for more than a month, and diarrhoea for more than a month, respectively. Among the minor criteria, cough for more than one month (45.9%) was the most common presentation, followed by generalized lymphadenopathy (10.7%) and generalized dermatitis (4.1%). Oropharyngeal candidosis and recurrent respiratory infections were present in 4.92% each. Severe wasting with stunting was observed in several cases. Tuberculosis was confirmed in 42 cases (34.4%) and 28 (23%) had tuberculous meningitis. It is concluded that the presence of HIV infection in this area is low. In addition, the diagnosis of AIDS cannot be based on WHO clinical criteria alone.