Journal of Tropical Pediatrics Advance Access originally published online on January 4, 2007
Journal of Tropical Pediatrics 2007 53(1):62-63; doi:10.1093/tropej/fml081
Case Reports |
Death of a G-6-P-D Deficient Child with Co-morbid HIV Infection Linked to Scarification
aDepartment of Paediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria
bDepartment of Physiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Abia State University, P.M.B. 2000, Uturu, Nigeria
Correspondence: Dr R. O. Nneli, Department of Physiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Abia State University, P. M. B. 2000, Uturu, Nigeria. E-mail < emonsly{at}yahoo.com>.
| Abstract |
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Facial scarification is a process of engraving marks on selected portions of the face at infanthood for various cultural purposes. It is a common cultural practice in Africa especially Nigeria. The induction is associated with fever and severe crying in infants. Usage of the same unsterile tools for the induction in different children and the unhygienic environment are possible means of contracting HIV infection. Occurence of G-6-P-D deficiency and malaria predipose to severe anaemia often requiring blood transfusion. Blood screening facilities are grossly lacking in most rural areas in developing countries. This report is on a 2-year-old male child who presented with facial marks, lacked G-6-P-D and died of HIV infection after a follow-up of 6 months. We suggest that HIV infection contracted from facial scarification in the presence of G-6-P-D deficiency caused the child's death.