Caries experience and cariogenic markers in HIV-positive children and their siblings.
The purpose of this cross-sectional, masked study was to compare the oral status of perinatally HIV-infected children with their uninfected siblings living in the same environment. A secondary purpose was to compare HIV-positive children for differences in oral health with respect to disease advancement. One hundred forty-seven children were examined in their homes and meeting places, using NIH criteria for caries diagnosis. Significant differences were found in the number of caries-free children (P < 0.05), past caries experience (P < 0.003), subsurface demineralizations (P < 0.0001), and caries-related bacteria (P < 0.05). However, differences in caries prevalence were not found in the 3- to 6-year-old subgroup. Caries prevalence (P < 0.001) and levels of caries-related flora in saliva were correlated to years since diagnosis (mutans streptococci P < 0.008, lactobacilli P < 0.02). Children with a more advanced disease stage had significantly more caries (P < 0.02). Among the HIV-infected children, the frequency of carbohydrate intake was clearly correlated to caries (P < 0.003) and to lactobacilli levels (P < 0.0001). It is concluded that children with perinatally acquired HIV are at greater risk for caries than their siblings, more so with advancing disease.
Madigan
A
A
Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, USA.
Murray
P A
PA
Houpt
M
M
Catalanotto
F
F
Feuerman
M
M
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015169:Colony Count, Microbial; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004245:DMF Index; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology; D003733:Dental Caries Susceptibility; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates / Q000008:administration & dosage; D018450:Disease Progression; D005192:Family Health; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D006679:HIV Seropositivity / Q000151:congenital*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007778:Lactobacillus / Q000302:isolation & purification; D008297:Male; D012307:Risk Factors; D013295:Streptococcus mutans / Q000302:isolation & purification; D017001:Tooth Demineralization / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology
D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates