Abstract
Human immune deficiency virus (HIV) infection leading to acquired immune deficiency
syndrome (AIDS) has been a major cause of illness and death among children, teens
and young adults worldwide. In recent years, HIV infection rates have been increasing
rapidly among teens and young adults. The three main ways HIV is passed to a very
young child are: intrauterine, at the time of birth and during breast feeding. Among the
teens, the virus is most commonly spread through unprotected sex, sharing needles or
in very rare cases by direct contact with an open wound of an infected person or through
blood transfusion. A baby born with HIV infection most likely will appear healthy. But
within 2 to 3 months after birth, an infected baby might begin to appear sick, with poor
weight gain, repeated infections, and enlargement of lymph nodes, liver or spleen and
neurological problems. Every pregnant woman should be tested for HIV to have a
better chance of preventing transmission to her unborn child. Older kids, teens and
adults are tested for HIV infection and if found positive should undergo protocolized
treatment. There is no vaccine to prevent HIV and AIDS although researchers are
working to develop one. Thus, prevention of HIV remains of worldwide importance.