Paediatric HIV Infection/AIDS in Three of Four Children from two Consecutive Twin Deliveries.

Abstract

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 or 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 manifests in children from high socio-economic families.