HIV-related infections of the oral cavity

Oral infections are among the first manifestations of infection by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). They include fungal, viral, and bacterial infections and range from being essentially trivial, through troublesome to life threatening. Although some infections are due to overproliferation of the normal oral flora, others are due to organisms that normally are not found in the mouth. The clinical features of many of these infections have now been characterized, and clinical trials have indicated the optimal management. However, for many infections, the underlying processes are still not clear, and improvements in treatment are necessary.