Prevalence of Oral Manifestations Among HIV-Positive Patients Undergoing Antiretroviral Treatment Visiting Chamarajanagar District Hospital: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: The introduction of antiretroviral therapy (ART) among the HIV/AIDS patients has reduced the frequency of the oral lesions, especially oral candidiasis, necrotizing periodontal conditions, Kaposi's sarcoma, hairy leukoplakia, and recurrent oral ulcers due to reconstitution of the immune system. Aim: This study is to determine the effect of ART on the oral mucosa of HIV/AIDS patients clinically. Materials and Methods: Three hundred and seventy-three patients who are on ART were examined for oral manifestations. Results: Oral candidiasis was manifested in 64% of patients, oral pigmentation in 44.5% patients, 43% with gingival or periodontal infection, 33% with reduced salivary secretion, and 35% with dental caries. Conclusion: It was concluded that high incidence of candidiasis may be due to the habits or history of tuberculosis, pigmentation, and xerostomia due to the medication.

Keywords

• Antiretroviral therapy
• candidiasis
• CD4 cells
• oral manifestation in HIV
• pigmentation
• xerostomia