Oral manifestations among people living with HIV/AIDS in Tanzania.
BACKGROUND
This study aimed to determine the prevalence of various oral and peri-oral manifestations in people living with HIV/AIDS in Tanzania.


METHODS
A cross sectional study. A total of 187 persons with HIV infection were recruited from non-governmental organisations serving people living with HIV/AIDS, 16.6% were males and females 83.4%. Information on weight and height, as well as extra oral and intra oral examinations for different manifestations were gathered. Treatment and referral for special care were offered.


RESULTS
At least one oral lesion was present in 45% of the participants. Candidiasis (28.9%) and non-tender lymphadenopathy (11.8%) were the most common lesions. Candidiasis occurred most frequently on lips/mucosa, and the tongue, and pseudomembranous candidiasis was the most frequent type. Candidiasis occurred with several other conditions and was statistically significantly associated with low body mass index (BMI).


CONCLUSIONS
This community survey carried out in an African sub-Saharan country showed that oral lesions are frequent among people living with HIV/AIDS. As emphasised by the World Health Organization Global Oral Health Programme, national HIV/AIDS programmes should incorporate oral health components.
School of Medicine, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Science, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. ffabian@muhas.ac.tz
F M
FM
Fabian
F K
FK
Kahabuka
P E
PE
Petersen
F M
FM
Shubi
N
N
Jürgensen
D017088:AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D000328:Adult; D002180:Candidiasis, Oral / Q000150:complications; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009059:Mouth Diseases / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D013636:Tanzania / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult