Oral lesions and HIV. An approach to the diagnosis of oral mucosal lesions for the dentist in private practice.
The diagnosis and treatment of oral mucosal lesions in HIV infected individuals is of importance. Oral lesions are reliable indicators of HIV infection and immunosuppression. They are important for staging HIV disease, they have been used as clinical markers in trials to test drug efficacy, and to determine the correct time for institution of treatment for HIV or prophylaxis against opportunistic infections. For the patients, they can cause pain, loss of taste and severe discomfort, leading to decreased quality of life. In more severe cases, they can disseminate and become life-threatening. Several types of lesions may affect the oral mucosa of HIV infected individuals. Although caused by different etiological agents, these lesions may have similar clinical appearance. They may also look like other oral mucosal lesions not commonly associated with HIV infection. Their correct diagnosis is important so adequate treatment can be prescribed. This article provides information to the dentist in private practice on how to elaborate a differential diagnosis and arrive to a final diagnosis of oral mucosal lesions in HIV infected individuals.
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Klinik für Alters- und Behindertenzahnmedizin, Zürich.
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D017088:AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / Q000175:diagnosis; D002180:Candidiasis, Oral / Q000175:diagnosis; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000175:diagnosis*; D015497:HIV-1; D006801:Humans; D007972:Leukoplakia, Oral / Q000175:diagnosis; D009059:Mouth Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D009061:Mouth Mucosa; D019226:Oral Ulcer / Q000175:diagnosis