Death of a G-6-P-D Deficient Child with Co-morbid HIV Infection Linked to Scarification

Abstract

Facial scarification is a process of engraving marks on selected portions of the face at infanthood for various cultural purposes. It is a common cultural practice in Africa especially Nigeria. The induction is associated with fever and severe crying in infants. Usage of the same unsterile tools for the induction in different children and the unhygienic environment are possible means of contracting HIV infection. Occurence of G-6-P-D deficiency and malaria predipose to severe anaemia often requiring blood transfusion. Blood screening facilities are grossly lacking in most rural areas in developing countries. This report is on a 2-year-old male child who presented with facial marks, lacked G-6-P-D and died of HIV infection after a follow-up of 6 months. We suggest that HIV infection contracted from facial scarification in the presence of G-6-P-D deficiency caused the child's death.