EPIDEMIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF HIV IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS IN THE STATE OF BAHIA: A DESCRIPTIVE STUDY

Abstract

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a retrovirus responsible for attacking the immune system, particularly CD4+ T lymphocytes, which are essential cells for the body’s defense. When left untreated, HIV infection can progress to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), characterized by severe immunosuppression and increased susceptibility to opportunistic infections and neoplasms. The present study aimed to analyze the occurrence and trends of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection in children and adolescents up to 14 years of age in the state of Bahia, during the period from 2014 to 2024. This is a descriptive, retrospective, and quantitative epidemiological study based on secondary data obtained from the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN). Variables such as incidence, sex, race/color, age group, and route of transmission were analyzed.During the study period, 5,082 children were exposed and 542 were infected, corresponding to an average annual incidence of 1 case per 100,000 inhabitants. A slight predominance of females (50.09%) was observed, as well as a higher number of cases among mixed-race (brown) children (59.93%). The main route of transmission was vertical (87.82%), with a higher concentration of cases among children under 1 year of age (38.19%). The stability of the incidence over the years indicates that, despite advances in strategies to prevent vertical transmission, gaps remain in the early detection and follow-up of pregnant women and exposed children. The results reinforce the need to strengthen surveillance, diagnosis, and treatment actions, aiming at the elimination of vertical HIV transmission in Bahia.