Publication:

A study of oral lesions among HIV infected ENT patients

Background Oral lesions are the earliest and most important indicators of HIV infection. These lesions may be present in up to 50% of people with HIV infection. The lesions parallel the decline in number of CD4+ cells and an increase in viral load, and are also independent indicators of disease progression. Pseudomembranous candidiasis and hairy leukoplakia are considered as the most common lesion associated with HIV infection.

Methods This cross sectional descriptive study was done in our ENT op during the period of 3 years. All HIV reactive patients who came to our OPD were included in the study. Oral examination was carried out using Bull’s eye lamp.

Results Totally 123 patients of HIV came to ENT OPD during the period of 3 years. Among them 52 patients (42.5%) showed one or many oral lesions. The presence of oral lesions has a significant impact on health related quality of life. The commonest oral lesion noted in our study is oral candidiasis (50%).

Conclusions Early detection of oral lesions must be emphasized in the diagnosis and early management of HIV patients.