title: The prevalence of HIV associated oral lesions among adults in the era of HAART.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The overall prevalence of HIV associated oral lesions among adults has decreased since the advent of highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART).
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study describes the prevalence and types of oral mucosal lesions in adults, who accepted a dedicated oral and dental programme for HIV-infected patients. The incidence of oral lesions and the CD4 cell counts on those patients, were related to cases receiving HAART and to those who were not.
  
  
  METHODS
  This was a retrospective, descriptive cross-sectional study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Patients were interviewed, using a structured questionnaire to obtain information regarding medical history, current medications and demographic details. Data relating to CD4 cell counts were extracted from clinical medical records of the patent. In each case, the oral cavity of the sitting patient was examined under artificial light, by a clinician using a mouth mirror. Oral lesions were categorised in accordance with EC-Clearinghouse diagnostic criteria.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The prevalence of HIV-associated oral lesions was significantly reduced (p < 0.001) in patients receiving HAART. There was, however, no significant difference (p = 0.29) in mean CD4 counts between patients receiving HAART and those not receiving HAART. The presence of oral lesions was statistically significantly, associated with both CD4 counts of < 200 cells/mm3 (p < 0.001) and the absence of HAART (p = 0.033).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The study confirmed that the incidence of oral lesions and of pseudo-membranous candidiasis in particular, were statistically significantly reduced in patients receiving HAART.
authors.forename: S R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Mthethwa
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wanjau
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Chabikuli
mesh_terms: D017088:AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / Q000453:epidemiology*; D000328:Adult; D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; D018791:CD4 Lymphocyte Count; D002180:Candidiasis, Oral / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D016000:Cluster Analysis; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005892:Gingivitis, Necrotizing Ulcerative / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007972:Leukoplakia, Oral / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009059:Mouth Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology*; D015995:Prevalence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013019:South Africa / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult