Retrovirology

official impact factor 5.24

This article is part of the supplement: Fifth Dominique Dormont International Conference. Host-Pathogen Interactions in Chronic Infections

Open Access Lecture presentation

The art and science of preventing and treating HIV disease in children: a life cycle approach

Elaine Abrams

  • Correspondence: Elaine Abrams

Author Affiliations

Department of Paediatrics, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY 10032, USA

Retrovirology 2009, 6(Suppl 1):L4 doi:10.1186/1742-4690-6-S1-L4


The electronic version of this article is the complete one and can be found online at: http://www.retrovirology.com/content/6/S1/L4


Published:22 July 2009

© 2009 Abrams; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

Lecture presentation

Dr Abrams will review current scientific knowledge in the area of pediatric HIV infection from infancy through adolescence and will identify critical gaps that significantly impact successful care of children with HIV disease. She will explore three interconnected themes: evolution of physical and psychological development throughout childhood; the relationship between the child and her family; and importance of psychological, behavioral, and social issues as they affect successful treatment of the HIV infected child as well as vulnerability of the uninfected adolescent to acquisition of HIV infection. Combining experiences from HIV programs in resource rich and resource constrained settings, Dr. Abrams will highlight a number of pressing questions warranting urgent scientific inquiry.