Clinical and Immunological Profile of Pediatric HIV Infection in Ibadan, Nigeria

ABSTRACT

 In spite of the increasing number of children living with HIV in Nigeria, pubIished data on their clinical profile are few. We describe the clinical profile at presentation of HW-infected children at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, in a prospective study. Among 272 children studied (149 54.8%] males; mean age 4.2 yam [range 2 months to 15 years]), infection was acquired through vertical transmission in 252 (926%). blood transfusion in 5 (1 .SO%),+and undetermined routes In 15 (55%) -. Clinical features included weight loss (62.5%), prolonged fever (55.4%), generalized lymphadenopathy (48.6%). chronic cough (45.4%). and persistent diarrhea (28.3%). Tuberculosis was present in 45.3% World Health Organization (WHO) clinical stages 3 and 4 disease In 70.6% and severe immunosuppression in 44.5% of cases. Pedatric HIV in lbadan is acquired mainly vertically and most cases present with severe disease. lmproved access prevention services and early diagnosis are recommomended.