Pediatric HIV infection

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is a major and growing threat to children. An essentially unknown disease prior to 1981, pediatric HIV infection is now one of the leading causes of death in children. The social stigma associated with the disease, the exceedingly poor ultimate prognosis for the child, and the devastating emotional toll that families suffer have only recently been recognized. This review will highlight the epidemiology, etiology, pathophysiology, and current medical treatment of HIV infection. A case study will also be presented to demonstrate the complex psychosocial issues that characterize this disease.