[ORAL HEALTH STATUS IN HIV-POSITIVE PATIENTS]

Area of Science:

• Oral Medicine
• Infectious Diseases
• Periodontology

Background:

• Oral manifestations are common yet understudied in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.
• Existing literature often neglects simultaneous assessment of oral mucosa, tongue, and periodontium in HIV-positive individuals.
• HIV-associated oral conditions can be early indicators of infection, presenting with high frequency and severity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively evaluate the condition of the periodontium and oral mucosa in various oral cavity areas of HIV-positive patients.
• To identify specific oral health issues prevalent in the HIV-positive population.
• To address the gap in simultaneous, multi-criteria studies of oral health in HIV.

Main Methods:

• Study included 90 HIV-positive patients (81 males, 9 females; age 24-62).
• HIV diagnosis confirmed via Western-blot reaction.
• Clinical examination, probing, pocket depth measurement, and periodontal indices determination were performed.

Main Results:

• 100% of patients exhibited coated tongue; 75.6% showed impaired oral mucosa relief.
• Lip cracks (73.3%) and bright red mucous membranes (82.2%) were frequent findings.
• Tongue examination revealed 100% coated tongue and 54.4% foci of epithelial desquamation.
• Inflammatory periodontal diseases, including gingivitis and moderate periodontitis, were prevalent.

Conclusions:

• HIV infection significantly compromises oral health, leading to diverse oral mucosa lesions.
• Periodontal tissues are frequently affected, with gingivitis and periodontitis being common.
• Comprehensive oral examinations are essential for managing HIV-positive patients.