 | TB/HIV: a Clinical Manual (WHO - OMS, 1996, 135 p.) |
 |  | Chapter 6 - Diagnosis of HIV in children with tuberculosis |
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6.1 Clinical recognition diagnosis of HIV infection in children
HIV infection in children may show in many ways. The clinical signs are often not specific for HIV infection. For example, weight loss, fever and cough are common in TB, with or without HIV infection. The clinical definition of HIV infection is therefore difficult.
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PRACTICAL POINT Parents provide important clues to possible HIV infection in their children. Ask the parents about their health. Sometimes parents may reveal their own HIV status. |
The table below shows clinical signs suspicious of HIV infection in children.
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CLINICAL SIGNS SUSPICIOUS OF HIV INFECTION IN CHILDREN |
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weight loss or abnormally slow growth |
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chronic diarrhoea ( > 1 month) |
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prolonged fever ( > 1 month) |
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generalised lymph node enlargement |
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oropharyngeal candidiasis |
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recurrent common infections, e.g. ear infections, pharyngitis |
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persistent cough |
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generalised rash |
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neurological problems |
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delay in development |
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bilateral parotid gland enlargement |
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enlarged spleen |
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enlarged liver |
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recurrent abscesses |
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meningitis |
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recurrent herpes simplex |
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