HIV Disease in Children

By Dr.Sally Zeinatie
HIV Disease in Children!
HIV disease in children is on the rise. With increasing prevalence of HIV in women among childbearing age group, absence of effective prevention program to restrict mother to child transmission of HIV and late detection as well as diagnosis of HIV in infected children; it has led to progression of this devastating disease.
HIV Disease in Children!
Having affected millions of homes worldwide, HIV has already entered many households and if nothing is done at present, it would lead to an epidemic of immense magnitude from which recovery will be slow.
MODES OF TRANSMISSION
HIV Disease in Children!
Three major routes are:
HIV Disease in Children!
• Sexual contact by 98%
• Transmission by blood by 100%
• Transmission through drug use by 100%
• Transmission in health care settings by 0.3%

Prenatal transmission by 13- 40%:
HIV Disease in Children!
a) in utero by transplacental spread
b) during birth through an infected birth canal
c) after birth by ingestion of milk by 14-29%
HIV Disease in Children!
How long do children with HIV survive?
HIV Disease in Children!
Between 25% and 30% of children who acquire HIV from their mothers die before their first birthday.
HIV Disease in Children!
How can mother-to child transmission of HIV be prevented?
HIV Disease in Children!
Pregnant women must have access to HIV testing and counseling so that they can learn their HIV status and make informed decisions about pregnancy, delivery and feeding options. Those who are HIV-positive should have access to a package of services that can enable safe delivery and ensure safe postnatal care and support for the baby and the mother. In high income countries, the use of antiretroviral drugs for treating the mother and preventing infection in the baby has become the standard of care and has led to the virtual elimination of mother to child transmission of HIV.
HIV Disease in Children!
Infection include:
HIV Disease in Children!
• Fever
• Rash
• Night sweats
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Swollen Glands
• Sore throat
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Oral (mouth) ulcers or sores
• Joint pain and/or muscle aches.
HIV Disease in Children!
The immune system has been severely damaged, making the child susceptible to opportunistic infections.
HIV Disease in Children!

The signs and symptoms of some of these infections may include:
HIV Disease in Children!
• Soaking night sweats
• Shaking chills or fever higher than 100 F for several weeks
• Dry cough and shortness of breath
• Chronic diarrhea
• Persistent white spots or unusual lesions on the tongue or in the mouth
• Headaches
• Blurred and distorted vision
• Weight loss.
HIV Disease in Children!
TREATMENT
HIV Disease in Children!
The latest drug is T/20, it prevents the HIV from entering into the cell, reducing the amount of HIV in these patients. Results show that the HIV has disappeared from 37% of AIDS patients, after taking this drug for 24 weeks. It was found that whole foods rich in selenocysteine, an amino acid chelating substance, prevents AIDS. Also vitamin A and selenium are good for boosting the immunity.
HIV Disease in Children!
Does antiretroviral therapy work for children with HIV?
HIV Disease in Children!
Antiretroviral therapy has proven to be highly effective in children, including those in resource-poor settings. Rapid initiation of treatment restores and preserves immune functions, promotes
normal growth and development, and prolongs life. (2)
HIV Disease in Children!
PREVENTION
HIV Disease in Children!
VACCINES:
HIV Disease in Children!
1) AIDSVAX: it consists of tiny fragments of gp120, the appendage that HIV uses to bind with target cells. This will trigger the production of antibodies that will stick to critical regions of gp120 preventing HIV from infecting cells.
HIV Disease in Children!
2) HGP-30W: This identifies a stable region of HIV -a protein segment from the core of the virus that holds its form while other parts mutate. The immune system attacks any cell that harbors it.
HIV Disease in Children!
3) GENETICALLY ENGINEERED CANARY-POX VIRUS: that carries the genes for three components of HIV, the surface protein used in AIDSVAX, the core protein used in HGP-30W, and one ENZYME. The immune system attacks both the free floating virus and HIV infected cells. If the altered virus can infiltrate the mucosal cells lining the rectum and vagina, this helps the body stop HIV entering into the bloodstream.
HIV Disease in Children!
“HIV DOES NOT MAKE PEOPLE DANGEROUS TO KNOW, SO YOU CAN SHAKE THEIR HANDS, AND GIVE THEM A HUG. HEAVEN KNOWS THEY NEED IT."
Says Princess Diana.
HIV Disease in Children!
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