HIV-exposed but uninfected children: Why are they vulnerable?

Globally, approximately 2.8 million children per year are born to HIV-infected women. Improved access to antiretrovirals for both prevention of mother-to-child transmission and maternal treatment results in increasing numbers of HIV-uninfected children living with their HIV-infected mothers. There is increasing evidence for poorer health in these children due to the direct effect of HIV itself and exposure to antiretrovirals. These include altered immunity and haematological parameters and increased morbidity and mortality. However, the psychosocial and economic impact of living within an HIV affected family may be just as important. In this review we have summarized the available data from both developed and developing countries on the vulnerability of HIV-exposed but uninfected children. © 2006 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.