HIV: From Tiny Tots to Rebellious Youths

摘要

Summary: Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV is the major cause of HIV infection in children worldwide. Transmission can occur in utero, during delivery, or through breastfeeding. Global research has found a vertical transmission rate of 13-52 % in the absence of any intervention. In 1994, the success of the clinical trial of zidovudine in reducing the risk of MTCT of HIV by the Pediatric AIDS Clinical Trials Group protocol 076 {PACTG 076) opened the door to a major preventive effort. The management of pediatric HIV infection has moved from largely palliative and terminal care to a chronic treatable condition during the past 20 years. Perinatally infected children are surviving in to adulthood, requiring pediatricians to become adept at providing adolescent and transitional care. Since the rapid spread of HIV is by heterosexual contact which has led to increase in MTCT of HIV, public health education about risky behavior in child bearing age people is the most important preventive strategy.