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HIV infection and eye diseases in children
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Infection of the fetus occurs through the placenta of the mother. The disease is manifested in 40% of children born from affected women. Postpartum infection owes its appearance to the use of infected blood products and in adolescents - to sexual contacts with an infected partner.
Common manifestations of the disease include:
- opportunistic infections;
- pneumonia;
- encephalitis;
- delay in development.
Manifestations from the organ of vision:
- retinopathy for HIV infection;
- opportunistic infections;
- retinitis CMV etiology; toxoplasmosis;
- necrosis of the retina;
- other diseases.
Retinopathy in HIV infection
The cause of the disorder is not known. The disease is manifested by the formation of vata-like foci, hemorrhages in the retina and other vascular disorders.
Competitive infections: cytomegalovirus retinitis
It is the most common manifestation of immunodeficiency. Initially, the lesions have the appearance of vat-like foci with necrotic changes in the center and concomitant hemorrhages. Later, the pathological process spreads beyond the primary focus, additional changes occur. The treatment consists in prolonged intravenous administration of ganciclovir or foscarnet, but complete recovery rarely occurs.
Toxoplasmosis
Toxoplasmosis manifests itself in the form of a severe, rapidly progressing necrotizing chorioretinitis and uveitis. Treatment consists in the appointment of sulfadiazine and pyrimethamine. The disease is prone to relapse.
Necrosis of the retina
Ophthalmoscopic manifestation of necrosis, blanching and swelling of the retina in some areas that tend to merge. It can be caused by the herpes simplex virus and herpes zoster.
Other diseases
Sometimes there are conjunctival sarcoma Kalosha (Kaposi), large affected areas of molluscum contagiosum and keratitis caused by herpes simplex.
[5]
Diagnosis of eye diseases in children with HIV infection
Diagnosis of HIV infection in newborns can be difficult. For correct diagnosis, it is necessary to cultivate HIV, or detect p24 antigen in the newborn's serum and the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) virus through a polymerase chain reaction (PCR analysis).