Infections In HIV-infected Children Research Articles

Lung infections in HIV-infected children: imaging pattern recognition and its correlation with CD4 counts

ContextChildren with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection frequently present with opportunistic infections of the lung that may be associated with high mortality rate. There is no study, to the best of our knowledge, correlating specific radiographic patterns of chest infections with CD4 levels of immunity in HIV-infected children of Indian subcontinent (where prevalence of respiratory tuberculosis is very high).AimsTo study the radiological patterns of chest infections in HIV-infected children, and to correlate these radiological findings with CD4 cell count and final diagnosis.MethodsForty-five HIV-infected children (1–18 years of age) with suspected chest infections were included in the study. The baseline and the most recent CD4 counts were recorded for each patient. Chest X-ray (CXR) was obtained in all the patients, and multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) chest was done in 27 patients having clinical suspicion of infection with normal or equivocal findings on CXR. Chest radiographs and MDCT chest were analyzed for different radiological patterns of chest infections. Imaging findings were correlated with CD4 count range for disease spectrum. The final etiopathological diagnosis was achieved in combination with clinico-radiological findings, laboratory data, cytohistopathology and follow-up imaging.ResultsOut of 45 children confirmed to be HIV-infected, 27 (60%) had bacterial infection, 14 (31.11%) had tuberculosis, and four (8.89%) had fungal infection.Consolidation on CXR/CT strongly suggested bacterial etiology (P < 0.05). Mediastinal/hilar lymphadenopathy (with or without necrosis) strongly suggested tubercular etiology (P value < 0.05). Diffuse GGO/haziness on CXR/CT strongly suggested fungal etiology (P value < 0.05).On correlation with CD4 count (cells/mm3), the bacterial infections occurred at early stages of HIV infection when immune status was relatively preserved, and most of the patients with tubercular infection had moderate immunosuppression. On the other hand, all patients of fungal infection showed severe immunosuppression.ConclusionA wide spectrum of pulmonary disease encountered in HIV-infected children warrants an integrated approach of image interpretation. Familiarity with the imaging patterns, combined with relevant clinical/laboratory details, may greatly help to improve the diagnostic confidence and to reach to a more meaningful differential diagnosis.

Incidence of Pneumonia and Predictors Among Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infected Children at Public Health Institutions in the Northwest Part of Ethiopia: Multicenter Retrospective Follow-Up Study.

IntroductionPneumonia is an inflammation of the lung parenchymal structure secondary to hematogens spread of pathogens, inhalation, or aspiration. It is also one of the most frequently occurring opportunistic infections in HIV-infected children. In Ethiopia, data on the incidence and predictors of opportunistic infection, especially pneumonia, among HIV-infected children is very limited. Hence, this study aimed to assess the incidence of pneumonia and predictors among HIV-infected children at public health institutions in the Northwest part of Ethiopia.MethodsAn institution-based retrospective cohort study was conducted among 342 HIV-infected children at public health institutions from January 1, 2013 to December 30, 2020. Log rank test was used to compare the survival curves between different explanatory variables. Bivariable Cox proportional hazards regression model was employed for each explanatory variable to check the association with the outcome variable. Variables found to have a p-value of < 0.25 in the bivariable analysis were candidates for the multi-variable proportional hazard model. Cox proportional hazards model was used at 5% level of significance to identify predictors of pneumonia.ResultsThis study included 342 records of HIV-infected children who started antiretroviral therapy between the periods of January 1, 2013 to December 30, 2020. The overall incidence rate of pneumonia during the follow-up time was 5.57 (95% CI: 4.4, 7.0) per 100 child-years of observation. Those children who did not take cotrimoxazole preventive therapy (AHR: 3, 95% CI: 1.40, 6.44), being underweight at baseline (AHR: 2.6, 95% CI: 1.41, 4.86), having baseline advanced disease (clinical stages III and IV) (AHR: 2.8, 95% CI: 1.30, 6.04), and presenting with recently detected viral load (AHR: 5.9, 95% CI: 2.53, 14.06), were more likely to develop pneumonia.ConclusionPneumonia incidence rate was high. Providing prophylaxis and nutritional supplementation for those children with baseline advanced disease stage, low weight for age and detectable viral load would reduce pneumonia occurrence.

Deep Neck Space Infection in HIV-Infected Children: A Case Series.

BackgroundDeep neck space infections (DNSIs) in children may lead to airway compromise and damage to the great vessels in the neck. They occur more commonly in the HIV-infected population. To our knowledge, this is the first case series of DNSI in HIV-infected childrenObjectivesThe aim of this study was to describe the demography and document the sites of infection; organisms identified and resistance patterns in HIV-infected children with DNSI.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of children (<16 years) diagnosed with deep neck infections at the teaching hospitals for the Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of the Witwatersrand, between January 2010 and December 2018.ResultsWe identified 17 patients with DNSI of which six children had concomitant HIV infection. The average age at presentation was six years (range: 0.35-13 years); there were four males and two females. The most common site involved was the submandibular space, which was affected in four patients. The detected organisms included: Coagulase-negative staphylococcus, Streptococcus viridans, Prevotella, Proteus mirabilis and Bacteroides fragilis. The organisms were universally resistant to penicillin and ampicillin resistance was documented in all but one patient.ConclusionOur findings on microbiology, resistance and tuberculosis culture are significant even in the face of a small series and have implications for the diagnosis and treatment of DNSI in HIV-infected children. Tuberculosis should routinely be considered in high burden settings. We recommend the empiric use of a β‐lactamase-resistant antibiotic until targeted therapy based on culture and sensitivity can be instituted.

Prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen and serological markers of other endemic infections in HIV-infected children, adolescents and pregnant women in Sierra Leone: A cross-sectional study

ObjectiveTo assess the prevalence of serological markers of HBV and endemic acute and chronic infections (HAV, HCV, CMV, HTLV-1/2 and syphilis) in HIV-infected children, adolescents and pregnant women in Sierra Leone. MethodWe conducted a cross-sectional study at the national children’s and women’s hospitals in Freetown. Logistic regression was used to assess predictors of HBsAg positivity. Results183 HIV-infected participants were enrolled, comprising children (n = 88), adolescents (n = 47) and pregnant women (n = 48). All participants (100%) were CMV IgG-positive, while 56.8%, 93.6% and 100% of children, adolescents and pregnant women, respectively, were HAV IgG-positive. The prevalence of HCV, HTLV-1/2 and syphilis were <4%. HBV markers were distributed as follows—children: HBsAg (2.3%), HBeAg (0%), anti-HBc (5.7%); adolescents: HBsAg (17.0%), HBeAg (6.4%), anti-HBc (27.7%); and pregnant women: HBsAg (18.8%), HBeAg (4.2%), anti-HBc (77.1%). Age >10 years, i.e., being born pre-2009 before implementation of routine hepatitis B immunization (aOR 5.05 [1.18−21.28]; p = 0.029) and CD4 count <350 cells/mm3 (aOR 3.97 [1.07−14.71]; p = 0.039) predicted HBsAg positivity. ConclusionA high burden of chronic HBV and other endemic infections was observed among HIV-infected patients born pre-2009 before implementation of routine HBV immunization in Sierra Leone, warranting targeted screening and immunization of this high-risk population.

Prevalence and molecular characterization of hepatitis B virus infection in HIV-infected children in Senegal

Background and aimsSub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is the region with the most patients co-infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the hepatitis B virus (HBV) worldwide. However, few studies have focused on SSA children who are at a higher risk of developing a chronic infection than adults. Furthermore, children on first-line antiretroviral therapy (ART) including low genetic barrier drugs may develop both HBV and HIV resistance mutations. The aim of this work was to document HIV-HBV co-infection and to characterize the HBV isolates in children in Senegal. MethodsThis is a retrospective study of 613 children infected with HIV on ART or not. Dried blood spot (DBS) specimens were used to detect hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) with a rapid diagnostic test (RDT). Confirmation of HBsAg status and hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) detection was performed on an automated platform using the chemiluminescence assay technology. HBV viral DNA was quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and the preS1/preS2/HBsAg region was genotyped by nested PCR followed by sequencing using the Sanger technique. ResultsThe prevalence of HIV-HBV co-infection was 4.1% (25/613). The median age of co-infected children was 13 years (2 years–16 years) and 40% (10/25) were girls. Almost all 19/20 (95%) were infected with HIV-1 and 79% (19/24) were treated with 3TC-based triple combination ART. The median duration of time on ART was 15 months (3 months–80 months). More than half of the children 53% (9/17) were experiencing HIV virologic failure and 75% (6/8) had at least one HIV-related resistance-associated mutation (RAM). Of the six children with resistance, none of the three administered treatments were effective on HIV. Of the 25 co-infected children, 82% (18/22) were HBeAg-positive, while the median HBV viral load (VL) was 6.20 log10 IU/mL (24/25 patients), and 62,5% (10/16) of the children had a persistent HBV viremia. Combination of ART was the only factor associated with HBV viremia persistence. Amplification was successful in 15 out of 16 patients (rate of 94%), and the ensuing phylogenetic analysis revealed that eight strains (53%) belonged to genotype A and seven (47%) to genotype E. HBV-related 3TC RAMs were uncovered in 20% of these patients (3/15). HBsAg escape mutations were found in 20% of the children (3/15). ConclusionsOur results showed a high level of drug resistance mutations to both HIV and HBV, a significant level of HBsAg escape mutations, HBV DNA persistence and HIV virologic failure in co-infected children in Senegal. The HBV genotypes found were A and E.

Clinical and immunological characteristic of children with congenital infections and perinatal HIV contact, considering their HIV status

Relevance.The study of the etiological structure, clinical features of congenital infections and the immune status of children with perinatal HIV contact will help to improve the program for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of these diseases.Objective.To characterize the clinical features of congenital infections and changes in the immune system in children with perinatal HIV contact, taking into account their HIV status.Methods.A clinical, serological, molecular genetic, cytological, immunological examination of 203 children with perinatal HIV contact, including 91 HIV-positive patients and 112 HIV-negative patients.Results.Congenital infections were diagnosed in 43.3% of children with perinatal HIV contact. They were characterized by a predominance of cytomegalovirus (30%) and Chlamydia trachomatis (14.3%) in the etiological structure; those infections proceeded as a mono-infection (61.4%) or in a localized form (52.5%). In the group of HIV-positive children, congenital infections developed in 68.1% of patients. In most cases congenital infections were caused by cytomegalovirus (45.1%), herpes simplex virus (6.6%) and bacteria (11%); they proceeded as an associated infection (46.8%), and in a clinically manifest localized (61.3%) and generalized forms (33.9%). The clinical features of congenital infections in HIV-infected children were associated with more significant disorders in the immune system, especially in T-cell link.Conclusion.The revealed clinical and immunological features of congenital infections in children with perinatal HIV contact must be considered during diagnostic, therapeutic and preventive procedures.

Incidence of common opportunistic infections among HIV-infected children on ART at Debre Markos referral hospital, Northwest Ethiopia: a retrospective cohort study

BackgroundOpportunistic infections (OIs) are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among children living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). For better treatments and interventions, current and up-to-date information concerning occurrence of opportunistic infections in HIV-infected children is crucial. However, studies regarding the incidence of common opportunistic infections in HIV-infected children in Ethiopia are very limited. Hence, this study aimed to determine the incidence of opportunistic infections among HIV-infected children on antiretroviral therapy (ART) at Debre Markos Referral Hospital.MethodsA facility-based retrospective cohort study was undertaken at Debre Markos Referral Hospital for the period of January 1, 2005 to March 31, 2019. A total of 408 HIV-infected children receiving ART were included. Data from HIV-infected children charts were extracted using a data extraction form adapted from ART entry and follow-up forms. Data were entered using Epi-data™ Version 3.1 and analyzed using Stata™ Version 14. The Kaplan Meier survival curve was used to estimate the opportunistic infections free survival time. Both bi-variable and multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were fitted to identify the predictors of opportunistic infections.ResultsThis study included the records of 408 HIV-infected children-initiated ART between the periods of January 1, 2005 to March 31, 2019. The overall incidence rate of opportunistic infections during the follow-up time was 9.7 (95% CI: 8.13, 11.48) per 100 child-years of observation. Tuberculosis at 29.8% was the most commonly encountered OI at follow-up. Children presenting with advanced disease stage (III and IV) (AHR: 1.8, 95% CI: 1.2, 2.7), having “fair” or “poor” ART adherence (AHR: 2.6, 95% CI: 1.8, 3.8), not taking OI prophylaxis (AHR:1.6, 95% CI: 1.1, 2.4), and CD4 count or % below the threshold (AHR:1.7, 95% CI: 1.1, 2.6) were at a higher risk of developing opportunistic infections.ConclusionsIn this study, the incidence rate of opportunistic infections among HIV-infected children remained high. Concerning predictors, such as advanced disease stage (III and IV), CD4 count or % below the threshold, “fair” or “poor” ART adherence, and not taking past OI prophylaxis were found to be significantly associated with OIs.

Bacteria urinary tract infection in HIV-infected children and adolescents in Abuja, Nigeria: a cross-sectional study

Background: Urinary tract infection (UTI) remains the second commonest opportunistic infections among HIV infected children. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and causative bacteria of UTI in HIV infected children and adolescents on antiretroviral medications in our health institution. Method: The study was a cross sectional design conducted between October 2017 and March 2018 among HIV infected children and adolescents aged 2 months to 18 years on follow up attendance at the Paediatric Outpatient Special Treatment Clinic (POSTC) of University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH). Early morning midstream urine was collected from each participant for urinalysis, microscopy and aerobic bacterial culture. Bacteria were identified from culture by standard microbiological methods and antibiogram of the isolates was determined by the disk diffusion method. Result: Of 166 HIV infected children and adolescents studied, 106 (63.9%) were males, 82 (49.4%) were in age group 5-10 years, and 110 (66.3%) were from lower socio-economic class. Significant bacteria (UTI) were isolated in 54 (32.5%) subjects, with 38 (70.4%) from females, and 51 (94.4%) from those on first line antiretroviral therapy. Isolates recovered were Escherichia coli 20 (37.0%), Klebsiella pneumoniae 16 (29.6%), Staphylococcus aureus 8 (14.8%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa 6 (11.1%), and Proteus mirabilis 4 (7.4%). Leucocyturia in 19 (35.2%), nitrituria in 10 (18.5%), and haematuria in 15 (27.8%) subjects with significant bacteriuria were also recorded. Isolates were sensitive to ofloxacin (81.5%), nalidixic acid (74.1%) and cefuroxime (61.1%), while they were resistant to cotrimoxazole (100%), ampicillin (98.1%) and piperacillin (94.4%). Significant difference was observed in the mean CD4 cell count and viral load of subjects with significant bacteriuria compared to those without; 838.6 ± 177.8 versus 1009.9 ± 234.7 cells/μL ( p =0.02), and 10, 360.5 ± 471.0 versus 5, 840.8 ± 563.8 copies/ml ( p =0.003) for CD4 cell count and viral load respectively. Conclusion: This study reported a high prevalence of UTI among HIV infected children and adolescents, especially in those with high viral load. Routine screening for UTI should be offered to HIV infected children and adolescents with high viral load. Keywords: HIV, urinary tract infection, children, adolescents

BCG Tuberculosis Vaccine: Immunological and Clinical Efficacy in Children Born to HIV-Infected Women

The article analyses the efficacy of vaccination and its influence on the nature of tuberculosis process in children perinatally exposed to HIV. The study analysed hospital records, hospital discharge summaries and outpatient medical records of children under 14 with tuberculosis: there were 109 HIV-infected children and 97 children perinatally exposed to HIV (but not HIV-infected). The postvaccinal immunity status was assessed by the presence and size of the vaccination scar and the response to the Mantoux test. The clinical efficacy of the BCG vaccination was assessed by the severity of tuberculosis in vaccinated and non-vaccinated children. It was shown that immunization with BCG vaccine (BCG-M) was safe and efficacious in children born to HIV-infected women but not infected with HIV. At the same time the vaccine did not demonstrate sufficient immunological and clinical efficacy in HIV-infected children: the response to the Mantoux test, 2 TU, was positive only in one third of all vaccinated children; there was no statistically significant difference in the frequency of disseminated processes in vaccinated children as compared to the non-vaccinated children perinatally exposed to HIV. A conclusion was made that children born to HIV-infected mothers but not infected with HIV must be vaccinated during the neonatal period. The vaccination of HIV- infected children is not advisable due to its low clinical efficacy and the risk of development of disseminated complications, for instance, the generalized BCG infection in HIV-infected children may develop over a period of 3 years after vaccination.

A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY OF HEPATITIS B VIRUS INFECTION IN HIV-INFECTED CHILDREN IN WINDHOEK, NAMIBIA

BackgroundHepatitis B virus (HBV) remains endemic in Africa and an important co-morbidity in the HIV epidemic. The HIV treatment guidelines of the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommend tenofovir−lamivudine (or emtricitabine)...

Bacterial infections in HIV-infected children admitted with severe acute malnutrition in Durban, South Africa

Background: Bacterial infections in HIV-infected children admitted with severe acute malnutrition (SAM) contribute to higher mortality and poorer outcomes. This study describes the spectrum of bacterial infections in antiretroviral treatment (ART)-naïve, HIV-infected children admitted with SAM.Methods: Between July 2012 and February 2015, 82 children were prospectively enrolled in the King Edward VIII Hospital, Durban. Specimens obtained on and during admission for microbiological evaluation, if clinically indicated, included blood, urine (obtained by catheterisation or suprapubic aspiration), induced sputum and cerebrospinal fluid. All positive bacterial cultures between admission and 30 days after enrollment were documented and characterised into samples taken either within 2 days of admission (infections on admission) or within 2–30 days of admission (hospital-acquired infections, HAIs).Results: On admission, 67% of patients had abnormal white blood cell counts (WBCC) (>12 or <4 × 109/L) and 70% had elevated CRP; 65% were classified as severely immunosuppressed according to the WHO immunological classification.1 A pathogen was isolated on the admission blood culture in four patients (6%) and in 27% of urine specimens. HAIs were predominately Gram-negative (39/43), and 39.5% were extended-spectrum β-lactamase-positive. Mortality was not significantly associated with isolation of a bacterial pathogen.Conclusions: Routine pre-hospital administration of antibiotics as per the Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) guidelines may be responsible for the low rates of positive admission blood cultures. HAIs with drug-resistant Gram-negative organisms are an area of concern and strategies to improve the prevention of HAIs in this vulnerable population are urgently needed.

High seroprevalence of antibodies against Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) among HIV-1-infected children and adolescents in a non-endemic population

Human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8) is the etiological agent of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), which primarily affects human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected adults with advanced immunodeficiency. Currently, only limited prevalence data for HHV-8 infection in HIV-infected children living in non-endemic areas are available. This multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted in four university hospitals in Germany specializing in pediatric HIV care. Stored serum specimens obtained from 207 vertically HIV-1-infected children and adolescents were tested for antibodies against lytic and latent HHV-8 antigens. Logistic regression was used to assess independent risk factors associated with HHV-8 seropositivity. The overall HHV-8 seroprevalence was 24.6% (n=51/207) without significant differences related to sex, age, or ethnicity. In univariate analysis, HHV-8 seropositivity was significantly associated with a child having being born outside Germany, maternal origin from sub-Saharan Africa, a history of breastfeeding, CDC immunologic category 3, and deferred initiation of antiretroviral therapy (>24months of age). In multivariate analysis, a child's birth outside Germany was the only significant risk factor for HHV-8 seropositivity (odds ratio 3.98; 95% confidence interval 1.27-12.42). HHV-8-associated malignancies were uncommon; only one patient had a history of KS. Serum specimen of vertically HIV-infected children and adolescents living in Germany showed a high HHV-8 seroprevalence. These findings suggest that primary HHV-8 infection-a risk factor for KS and other HHV-8-associated malignancies-occurs early in life. Thus, management of perinatally HIV-infected children should include testing for HHV-8 coinfection and should consider future risks of HHV-8-associated malignancies.

Table 4. Common Drugs Used for Treatment of Opportunistic Infections in HIV-Infected Children

Table 4. Common Drugs Used for Treatment of Opportunistic Infections in HIV-Infected Children

Renal abnormalities among HIV-infected, antiretroviral naive children, Harare, Zimbabwe: a cross-sectional study.

BackgroundData on the prevalence of renal and urine abnormalities among HIV-infected children in Sub-Saharan Africa are limited. We set out to determine the prevalence of proteinuria; low estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), urinary tract infection and associated factors among HIV-infected antiretroviral therapy (ART) naive children, aged 2–12 years, attending the paediatric HIV clinic at a tertiary hospital in Harare.MethodsConsecutive ART naive children attending the clinic between June and October 2009 were recruited. Detailed medical history was obtained and a complete physical examination was performed. Children were screened for urinary tract infection and for significant persistent proteinuria. Serum creatinine was used to estimate GFR using the modified Counahan-Barratt formula. The Student’s t-test was used to analyse continuous variables and the chi-square or Fisher’s exact test was used to analyse categorical data. Logistic regression was performed to assess the relationship between study factors and urine abnormalities, persistent proteinuria and the eGFR.ResultsTwo hundred and twenty children were enrolled into the study. The median age was 90 months (Q1=65.5; Q3=116.5). The prevalence of urinary tract infection was 9.5%. Escherichia coli was the predominant organism. There was uniform resistance to cotrimoxazole. Persistent proteinuria (urine protein to creatinine ratio greater than 0.2, a week apart) was found in 5% of the children. Seventy-five children (34.6%) had mild to moderate renal impairment shown by a low eGFR (30 to <90ml/min/1.73m2). Persistent proteinuria was more likely to be found in children who were wasted, weight-for-height (WHZ) z-score <−2 (p=0.0005). Children with WHO clinical stage 4 were more likely to have a low eGFR than children with less advanced stages (OR 2.68; CI 1.24-5.80). Urine abnormalities were more likely to be observed in children with WHO clinical stages 3 and 4 (OR 2.20; CI 1.06-4.60).ConclusionThere is significant renal impairment among HIV-infected, ART naive children aged 2–12 years attending the outpatient paediatric HIV clinic at Harare Central Hospital. The abnormalities are more likely to occur in children with advanced HIV/AIDS. Screening for renal impairment and urinary tract infections in HIV-infected children before initiation of ART and regularly thereafter would be helpful in their management. Keywords: HIV, renal disease, persistent proteinuria, glomerular filtration rate, urinary tract infection

Detecting Tuberculosis Infection in HIV-infected Children

Accurate identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in young and HIV-infected children could guide delivery of preventive therapy, improve resource utilization and help prevent tuberculosis. We assessed the performance of the tuberculin skin test (TST) and interferon-γ release assays (IGRAs) for identifying M. tuberculosis infection in South African children presenting for outpatient care. Tuberculosis contact was quantified using a standardized measure of M. tuberculosis exposure. Logistic regression assessed the association among test positivity, age, nutritional and HIV status, while controlling for M. tuberculosis exposure, bacille Calmette-Guérin vaccination and prior tuberculosis treatment. Among 250 (130 HIV infected) children (age 0.25-14.6 years, median 39 months), the proportion positive for each test varied: 34% (TST), 21% (T-SPOT.TB) and 25% (QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube). IGRAs were more likely to be positive in HIV-uninfected compared with HIV-infected children; TST positivity did not differ between these groups. Agreement between tests was good-to-excellent in HIV-uninfected children and poor-to-good in HIV-infected children. In adjusted models, TST and T-SPOT.TB were positively associated with age; this effect varied by HIV status. The QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube was negatively associated with chronic malnutrition; this effect varied by HIV status. Because 93% of children had received bacille Calmette-Guérin, we could not assess the contribution of bacille Calmette-Guérin to false-positive TST results. Our findings indicate that the TST and IGRAs perform similarly for the detection of M. tuberculosis infection in well-nourished HIV-uninfected children, but test performance is differentially affected by chronic malnutrition, HIV infection and age. Similar to TST interpretation, clinicians and researchers should interpret IGRAs in children with caution taking age, nutritional and HIV status into consideration.

Integration of Deworming into HIV Care and Treatment: A Neglected Opportunity

Integration of Deworming into HIV Care and Treatment: A Neglected Opportunity

Characteristics of opportunistic infections in HIV-infected children during pre-HAART and HAART era in Srinagarind hospital, Thailand

Characteristics of opportunistic infections in HIV-infected children during pre-HAART and HAART era in Srinagarind hospital, Thailand

Opportunistic and Other Infections in HIV-Infected Children in Latin America Compared to a Similar Cohort in the United States

Opportunistic and other infections have declined since the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in developed countries but few studies have addressed the impact of HAART in HIV-infected children from developing countries. This study examines the prevalence and incidence of opportunistic and other infections in Latin America during the HAART era. Vertically HIV-infected children enrolled in a cohort study between 2002 and 2007 were followed for the occurrence of 29 targeted infections. Cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses were performed to calculate the prevalence of infections before enrollment and the incidence rates of opportunistic and other infections after enrollment. Comparisons were made with data from a U.S. cohort (PACTG 219C). Of the 731 vertically HIV-infected children 568 (78%) had at least one opportunistic or other infection prior to enrollment. The most prevalent infections were bacterial pneumonia, oral candidiasis, varicella, tuberculosis, herpes zoster, and Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia. After enrollment, the overall incidence was 23.5 per 100 person-years; the most common infections (per 100 person-years) were bacterial pneumonia (7.8), varicella (3.0), dermatophyte infections (2.9), herpes simplex (2.5), and herpes zoster (1.8). All of these incidence rates were higher than those reported in PACTG 219C. The types and relative distribution of infections among HIV-infected children in Latin America in this study are similar to those seen in the United States but the incidence rates are higher. Further research is necessary to determine the reasons for these higher rates.

Time for new recommendations on cotrimoxazole prophylaxis for HIV-exposed infants in developing countries

Background Pneumocystisjiroveci (formerly known as Pneumocystis carinii) pneumonia has been reported to be a leading cause of death in HIV-infected infants. In 2000 the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) issued recommendations on the use of cotrimoxazole (trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole), as prophylaxis against Pneumocystis jiroveci for HIV-exposed infants. Cotrimoxazole is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent used to target a range of bacteria as well as some fungi and protozoa. These recommendations on cotrimoxazole prophylaxis emerged shortly after studies in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire, showed its impact on reducing morbidity in HIV-infected adults. However, the evidence of benefit in children was much weaker and consisted of positive impact in observational studies from the United States of America; an ecological study from Thailand that ascribed a decline in hospitalization cases of Pneumocystis jiroveci to an increased use of cotrimoxazole; and conflicting evidence from retrospective analyses of hospital data from three African studies. (1) Diagnosis of HIV in children aged less than 12 months is difficult as it requires the use of costly molecular diagnostics. Since it is not always possible to know which HIV-exposed infants are infected, the guidelines recommended that all HIV-exposed children should receive cotrimoxazole prophylaxis. More evidence Since the 2000 guidelines were published, further evidence on the effectiveness of cotrimoxazole prophylaxis against opportunistic infections in HIV-infected children emerged from the CHAP study, a randomized, placebo-controlled trial of cotrimoxazole in Zambia. (2) The study, which showed a significant impact on reducing mortality, included only HIV-infected children from 6 months to 14 years of age. Of note is that only 3% of the cohort was aged less than 12 months and the majority were symptomatic and had a CD4+ lymphocyte % New data While we reaffirm the importance of cotrimoxazole prophylaxis for HIV-infected children we believe, that with the emergence of new data, especially around the use of antiretroviral prophylaxis during breastfeeding, the time has come to revisit the guidelines for HIV-exposed infants. Our reasoning for this is described here. Fewer HIV-infected infants The original call for cotrimoxazole prophylaxis was made on the assumption that some 20% of infants could be infected during the ante- and intra-partum period and that a further 15% of infants could be infected through breastfeeding. However, if the proportion of infants who are infected is lower, the benefits of mass prophylaxis may not supersede the risks. Even with interventions for prevention of mother-to-child transmission using single dose nevirapine, Gill et al. in a modelling exercise showed that, as the proportion of HIV-infected infants declined, the benefits of mass prophylaxis on a population level are probably superseded by the risks. (1) Although developing countries still face enormous challenges in increasing coverage of services for prevention of mother-to-child transmission (estimated by UNAIDS to be only 45%), we are now on the brink of a new era with much greater potential for lower proportions of HIV-infected infants. New WHO guidelines call for pregnant women with CD4 count [less than or equal to] 350 to receive highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and those with counts > 350 to receive zidovudine from week 28 with single dose nevirapine during labour. …

Candidiasis in a 3-month-old vertically HIV-infected infant

Invasive candidiasis is an infrequent, yet life-threatening infection among HIV-infected children. The treatment of choice are amphotericin B formulations and alternatively fluconazole. Good penetration to the central nervous system of both drugs makes such therapy a reasonable solution for this specific group of patients. Echinocandins, mainly due to their outstanding safety profile, alongside with clinical effectiveness, are still a second-line treatment and further research is required to assess their role as antifungal agents used in management of Candida infections in HIV-infected children. However, they are the first-line antifungal agents in other groups of patients according to recently published guidelines.