HIV infection in adolescents: Prevention and treatment

Studies in the United States and throughout the world show that adolescents represent an expanding proportion of those newly infected with human immunodeficiency virus. It is important for pediatricians primary care physicians, psychologists, and allied health providers working with adolescents and their families to: (1) develop skills to routinely incorporate human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome risk assessment into their clinical interviews, (2) be cognizant of current primary and secondary risk reduction interventions and their relative efficacy, and (3) if needed, incorporate medical and psychosocial care for human immunodeficiency virus positive youth into their practice, This review article highlights current epidemiological research on human immuno deficiency virus and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in adolescents, describes recent medical and psychosocial treatment advances, and delineates an adolescent specific, provider friendly protocol of human immunodeficiency virus counseling and testing to emphasize risk assessment and avenues for further prevention and treatment.