Diagnosis of HIV infection in children

During the past 2 decades, the spectrum of HIV disease in children has changed dramatically. Although efforts to identify and treat HIV-infected pregnant women have resulted in an Encouraging decrease in perinatal transmission rates, in many developed countries, in utero, intrapartum, and postnatal transmission of HIV by breastfeeding continues to occur at a steady rate. This article reviews critical issues regarding the diagnosis of HIV infection among children, including early diagnosis in the context of the timing of transmission and laboratory diagnosis of HIV infection.