AIDS and oropharyngeal candidiasis

Oropharyngeal candidiasis occurred in a previously healthy young Israeli homosexual male. Additional symptoms included persistent diarrhea, weight loss, fever, generalized lymphadenopathy and peripheral neuropathy. Immunologic studies revealed lymphopenia with reversed T-helper/T-suppressor cells ratio and antibodies to human immunodeficiency virus, all compatible with the diagnosis of subclinical AIDS. Repeated courses of antimonilial treatment failed to eradicate the oropharyngeal lesions. The clinical picture of AIDS, particularly its oral manifestations, is described. The diagnostic and prognostic implications of oropharyngeal candidiasis as a presenting sign of the disease are discussed. In addition, precautionary measures that should be taken when treating persons infected with HIV are described.