Pulmonary disease in HIV-infected African children

Childhood human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is common in most re gions of sub-Saharan Africa. Acute and chronic respiratory diseases are maj or causes of morbidity and mortality in HIV-infected children. They represe nt a significant added burden in a region where diagnostic capabilities are limited and management decisions are often made on the basis of clinical g uidelines alone. Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia is now recognised as an imp ortant cause of acute severe Pneumonia and death in HIV-infected infants. H owever, there are few data on incidence and aetiology for more treatable co nditions such as bacterial pneumonia. The association of pulmonary tubercul osis and HN infection is uncertain, and the diagnosis is further confused b y the presence of lymphoid interstitial pneumonitis and other chronic HIV-r elated pulmonary disease. This article reviews the literature and highlight s the urgent need for further research in order to improve clinical managem ent and appropriate interventions.