Overview of perinatally transmitted HIV infection.

Over the past 12 years there have been many advances in the recognition, diagnosis, and treatment of pediatric AIDS as well as the unfolding of a pandemic that is a worldwide concern. Whereas in the United States 1100 cases of pediatric HIV and more than 6000 cases of pediatric AIDS have been reported, the greatest devastation by this disease is occurring in Africa and Asia, where heterosexual transmission of HIV is the most common means of infection. This article discusses prevention of pediatric HIV, major diagnostic and treatment advances, understanding perinatal transmission, and approaches to caring for the child with HIV.