HIV symptoms not always obvious.

Contrary to widespread belief, children infected with HIV at birth may live for years without symptoms and without anyone even realizing they are infected, researchers say.

When such youngsters get sick, doctors may fail to recognize the source of the problem. And even if they are diagnosed, communities and schools may not appreciate their need for social and psychological help, the researchers said. "The important thing to remember is that these children are out there," said Dr. Samuel Grubman.

He led a study of 42 children ages nine to 15 who had been born with HIV and were being treated for their infections at Children's Hospital of New Jersey in Newark in …