MCQ Pediatrics Answer 8

The Correct Answer is E

AIDS is difficult to identify serologically in infants because of antibody passed transplacentally from mother to infant. HIV infection itself may not be passed transplacentally, even if the mother is infected. The infant must be observed for as long as 15 months before the presence or absence of HIV infection can be definintively ascertained.

Because of their immune deficits, children with AIDS need to avoid live poliovirus. This virus may be excreted in the stool of immunized children, therefore children living in the same household as children with AIDS should not receive the live poliovirus vaccine.

Diffuse candidiasis appears in children with AIDS because of their poor immune status. Neurologic disease in children with HIV infection may present as progressive encephalopathy. Pneumocystis carinii infection will often recur in previously infected AIDS patients and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole is indicated as prophylaxis for this disease.

Ref: Cooper ER, Pelton SI, LeMay M: Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome: A new population of children at risk. Pediatr Clin North Am 1988; 35(6); 1365-1388.

Category: Pediatrics MCQs