From the desk of the guest editor

JK Maniar

 Consultant HIV Physician, Mumbai, India

Correspondence Address:
J K Maniar
Consultant HIV Physician, Mumbai
India

Guest Editor: J. K. Maniar

Contents:

1. HIV and tuberculosis co-infection: Hiten Thaker
2. Use of antiretrovirals in pediatric HIV infections: Sunanda Gaur
3. Prevention of mother-to-child transmission in HIV infection: Amar Surjushe, Janak Maniar

From the desk of the guest editor

The HIV/AIDS epidemic has matured in India during the last two decades. The statistical data reported from India appear controversial although I sincerely hope that the revised lower estimates are correct. The most common route of HIV transmission in India is heterosexual. Therefore, from a public health point of view, it is currently the most important sexually transmitted infection (STI) with other STIs being seen less frequently. I propose that every dermatovenereologist should be familiar with treatment of HIV/AIDS although it is a challenging task that requires extensive continual updating. It is with this intent that IJDVL has decided to publish a series of review articles on the subject of HIV infection.

There are several issues involved in the management of HIV infection; it is difficult to discuss all of them. Like syphilis, HIV/AIDS is a multisystem disease, which demands that dermatovenereologists learn skills outside their core areas of competence. Keeping this in mind, this update on HIV infection carries articles on HIV and tuberculosis co-infection, perinatal HIV intervention and pediatric antiretroviral therapy written by experts in their fields. We hope that an increasing number of dermatovenereologists will join us in our fight against the HIV/AIDS epidemic in India. I am sure this seminar on HIV infection shall be of immense benefit to them.