Opportunistic infections and other clinical manifestations of HIV disease in children

The history of opportunistic infections in children with HIV disease highlights the evolution of the pediatric epidemic in the United States. Thousands of children were diagnosed with opportunistic infections during the 1980s and early 1990s, often as the presenting illness of their HIV infection. Preventive regimens for several other opportunistic pathogens has led to the development of a variety of efficacious therapies for these infections. Despite advances, physicians can anticipate that HIV-infected children will continue to develop opportunistic infections and other related complications.