Objective: To assess the prevalence of viral co-infections in HIV infected children.
Methods: Children born to HIV seropositive parents and those children who were suspected to be HIV infected based on clinical presentation by the pediatrician were screened for HIV -1 and 2 antibodies as per National Aids Control Organization (NACO) guidelines. Those found to be seropositive for HIV infection were further tested for Hepatitis B&C, Herpes simplex virus and Human cytomegalovirus infection.
Results: Among 803 children screened, 101 were found positive for HIV antibodies. Among the five viral markers tested, HCMV IgG was positive in 88 children (87.1%). HCMV IgM was positive in 35 cases (34.6%). HBsAg tested positive in 30 children, while anti-HCV IgM was reactive in 27 cases. IgM anti- HSV antibodies were observed positive in 59 (58.4%) cases. Both hepatitis virus coinfection (HBsAg and anti- HCV IgM antibodies) was observed in 10 HIV positive children, while both Herpesviridae family viruses (HCMV -IgM antibodies and HSV -IgM antibodies) were positive in 30 cases (29.7%).
Conclusion: Viral co-infections are significantly higher in HIV positive children, which adds to significant mortality and morbidity and should therefore be screened in all HIV positive children for timely treatment in order to improve the quality of life and better survival of HIV infected children.