Paediatric HIV Infection/AIDS In Three Of Four Children From Two Consecutive Twin Deliveries

SUMMARY

Vertical infection by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) among two consecutive pair of twins from a well to do family is presented. While the first twin of the first pair must have been infected in-utero, the second may have been infected at parturition of through breast milk. Severe protein-energy malnutrition was the main mode of presentation. A recommendation is made for routine screening of pregnant women during ante-natal care with family planning counselling of positive cases. Zidovudine therapy for infected pregnant women is also recommended in addition, it is suggested that infected mothers from high socio-economic classes in our environment should not breast-feed their infants. HIV/AIDS should be suspected when PEM manifest in children from high socio-economic families.