Authorities in western India say at least 23 children suffering from a rare genetic disorder have tested positive for HIV after receiving tainted blood transfusions.

Officials say the youngsters' HIV status was discovered at Junagadh Civil Hospital where they were among at least 100 thalassemic children receiving regular transfusions.

Gujarat Health Minister Jay Narayan Vyas says a medical team has been sent to the hospital to investigate.

The Associated Press reports all the children are from poor families.

Thalassemia, which required regular blood transfusions, is an inherited blood disorder that causes the body to make less hemoglobin.