Which of the following are common signs of HIV infection in infants during the first year of life?

• A. Enlarged spleen or liver, failure to thrive, thrush, cradle cap, and bacterial infections
• B. Seizures and microcephaly
• C. Cough and wheeze only
• D. Normal growth with no infections

Answer: (A)

Infants with HIV commonly show growth failure and frequent infections in the first year, reflecting immunosuppression. Enlarged liver or spleen indicates organ involvement from infection and lymphoid tissue expansion. Thrush (mucocutaneous candidiasis) is a frequent early opportunistic infection, and cradle cap can be seen as seborrheic-type dermatitis in HIV-infected infants. These signs together point to an underlying immune deficiency typical of neonatal HIV.

Seizures and microcephaly are not standard early signs of HIV in the first year and may be seen with other congenital infections or CNS issues. Cough and wheeze are nonspecific and can occur in many infants regardless of HIV. Normal growth with no infections would argue against HIV infection in infancy.