Gastrointestinal tract

Abstract

Illnesses attributable to the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) are common in HIVinfected children, including those healthy children on long-term anti-retroviral therapy (ART). GIT diseases are often the first indication of paediatric HIVinfection. The entire length of the GIT (and accessory organs such as the liver and pancreas) can be adversely affected in HIV-infected children, and it is pragmatic to approach GIT diseases based on the symptoms that these children present with. In many instances, GIT diseases in HIV-infected children are managed similarly to their uninfected peers. When HIV infection is successfully controlled with ART, GIT-related illnesses are usually not severe, but infected children should be regularly screened for GIT disease as part of their management.