Diagnosis of pediatric human immunodeficiency virus infection by means of a commercially available polymerase chain reaction gene amplification

Article Abstract:

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) gene amplification may permit diagnosis of HIV in infants after the first week of life. Conventional antibody testing is not accurate for several months because of placental transfer of maternal antibodies, and culturing for HIV is expensive, lengthy, requires relatively large amounts of blood, and may fail to detect virus. PCR technique specifically replicates viral DNA, raising the quantity to detectable levels. Researchers examined 286 infants born to HIV-positive mothers and tested blood samples every 4 to 12 weeks until HIV status was established. Of the group, 105 children were eventually confirmed as having HIV infection. False negative rates were high the first week of life. After that, PCR testing was 99% accurate at detecting HIV infection and 100% accurate at ruling out HIV infection.

Diagnosis, Polymerase chain reaction, Gene amplification

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Street youth in Los Angeles: profile of a group at high risk for human immunodeficiency virus infection

Article Abstract:

Young people living on the streets appear likely to engage in sexual and drug use behaviors that put them at high risk for HIV infection. Researchers interviewed 409 young people aged 12 to 23 years who had lived on the streets of Hollywood, California for at least two months. Seventy percent of the youths were sexually active and many engaged in risky behaviors such as having anal intercourse, having multiple partners and offering sex for money. In fact, 43% practiced so-called survival sex, meaning they exchanged sex for food, money and a place to stay. Many of the youths also used alcohol and other drugs, including cocaine and methamphetamine. Thirty percent had injected drugs at one time or another. Many of the youths had been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted disease.

Risk factors, HIV infection, HIV infections, Urban youth

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Medical students act as Big Brothers/Big Sisters to support human immunodeficiency virus-infected children's psychosocial needs

Article Abstract:

A volunteer Big Brother/Big Sister program between medical students and HIV-positive children may benefit the medical student. The components of such a program at one children's hospital included screening the students, an orientation, and ongoing contact with a child life specialist. Nine medical students who participated reported unanimously positive feelings. As had been the goal of the program, they believed they had developed enhanced understanding of the issues of patients and families living with a terminal illness, and they felt they would be better, more caring physicians because of it.

Social aspects, Evaluation, Services, Medical students, Sick children, Big Brothers-Big Sisters of America

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