Gastrointestinal Manifestations in Hiv- Infected Children

Infection from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is still an important problem in Southeast Asia. The incidence of HIV-infected patients has been increasing over the last two decades. The problem also affects infants born to HIVinfected mothers. Preventive programs and health education seem to be the most important measures, although the zidovudine (AZT) protocol has been able to reduce the risk of vertical transmission from 25% to 3-8%. However, there have been many HIV-infected children suffering from various illnesses. Diarrhea and other gastrointestinal complications are the most common ailments found in the HIV-infected child. Thea DM, et al. reported that thirty-seven percent of HIVinfected infants experienced diarrhea.