MYCOBACTERIUM-AVIUM-INTRACELLULARE COMPLEX INFECTION IN HIV-INFECTED CHILDREN

Objective: To describe the incidence of, and risk factors for, Mycobac terium avium intracellulare complex (MAC) infection in HIV-infected ch ildren. Setting: University-affiliated children's hospital. Design and methods: The medical records of 70 HIV-infected infants and children were reviewed retrospectively. Results: Seven children (10% of the HIV -infected patients; 18% of those with AIDS) developed disseminated MAC (dMAC). An additional seven children had gastrointestinal colonizatio n with MAC. Risk of dMAC was associated with increasing age, decreasin g CD4 cell count, and (possibly) long-term steroid therapy. Conclusion s: HIV-infected children are at risk of developing dMAC. Children olde r than 60 months and those with a CD4 cell count < 100 x 10(6)/l are m ost at risk.