HIV-infection in childhood]

HIV infection in children is mainly due to vertical transmission. It has turned into a major epidemic in some developing countries. Due to the transfer of maternal antibodies to HIV early, diagnosis in infants is difficult and costly. The disease shows considerable clinical variability. Common classification and staging systems would seem very important in order to compare epidemiological, diagnostic and therapeutic studies. Treatment with anti-retroviral agents in under clinical trial and in combination with intensive supportive measures can significantly improve both survival and quality of life for HIV positive patients. Vaccination against HIV is in its early stages but holds some promise in the long run for the prevention of HIV disease in infants and children.