Diagnosis of Pediatric Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection in Resource-Constrained Settings

The majority of children infected with human immunodeficiency virus live in resource-constrained settings and die without an established diagnosis. Definitive laboratory diagnosis in children younger than 12–18 months requires virologic testing; however, antibody testing is often the only option available. Antibody testing provides a definitive diagnosis in older children but is frequently not used. Children meeting clinical criteria should be treated regardless of availability of laboratory diagnoses.