HIV-Exposed Uninfected Children

The study defines HIV-exposed uninfected children as those born to mothers diagnosed with HIV before or during pregnancy. More than 14 million African children are HIV-exposed but uninfected, but autism has not previously been examined in this population in Africa or low- and middle-income countries. Expansion of antiretroviral therapy has lowered vertical HIV transmission while increasing the number of children exposed to maternal HIV and antiretroviral therapy who remain uninfected. HIV-exposed uninfected children are described as having elevated risks for several adverse health and developmental outcomes. Globally, most HIV-exposed uninfected children live in Africa.