HIV Infection and Oral Manifestations: An Update

Abstract

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) causes a complete depletion of the immune system; it has been a major health issue around the world since the 1980s, and due to the reduction of CD4+ T lymphocytes levels, it can trigger various opportunistic infections. Oral lesions are usually accurate indicators of immunosuppression because these oral manifestations may occur as a result of the compromised immune system caused by HIV infection; therefore, oral lesions might be initial and common clinical features in people living with HIV. So, it is necessary to evaluate and understand the mechanism, prevalence, and risk factors of oral lesions to avoid the increase morbidity among those with oral diseases.

Digital Assessment of the Knowledge, Attitudes and Preparedness of Dentists towards Providing Dental Treatment to People Living with HIV in Northern Brazil

“…According to Fonseca et al [4], several oral manifestations, such as oral candidiasis, necrotizing gingivitis or periodontitis, Kaposi sarcoma and leukoplakia, are commonly found among PLWH, serving as diagnoses or indications for HIV infection or determining the individual's stage of HIV infection, demonstrating the major importance of dentists in specialized AIDS treatment and HIV infection control [5]. Unfortunately, some studies have reported certain unwillingness by dentists and dental students to properly treat PLWH, which has been associated with stigma about HIV transmission during dental management or inadequate knowledge of the HIV infection process, resulting in fear, phobia or stigma towards HIV and contamination, demonstrating that dentists and dental students require specific education and training in specialized AIDS treatment and HIV infection control by universities, health institutes and the federal government [6][7][8].…”

Ulceration and a White Lesion of the Tongue in a Male HIV Positive Patient: A Journey on the Avenue of Differential Diagnoses in Search of a Solution

“…The pathogenesis of HIV infection is chronic, progressive immunosuppression, initiated by the alteration of immune system cells, such as CD4 lymphocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells and mucosal cells, including cells of the oral mucosa [2].…”

“…Oral lesions are the earliest indicators of HIV infection, the expression of these lesions depends on the severity of the immunodepression [2,3]. It is estimated that 70-90% of people with HIV infection have oral lesions during their life.…”

“…The use of antiretrovirals has changed the frequency and the presentation of the occurrence of oral lesions described in people with HIV. Patients with viral replication controlled by antiretroviral drugs have a lower prevalence of candidiasis, hairy leukoplakia of the tongue and oral Kaposi's sarcoma but more frequently present papilloma and lesions of the salivary glands [2,5].…”