Gingival ulceration in HIV infection. A case series and case control study

All cases of HIV-associated gingival ulceration seen at a dedicated dental clinic in a 5-year period were reviewed and compared against other patients attending the clinic. 94 (7.1%) of 1308 patients had 146 episodes of gingival ulceration. 89 patients had 140 episodes similar to acute necrotising ulcerative gingivitis (ANUG) and responded well to conventional treatment for ANUG. The cases were compared with 269 controls in logistic regression. Gingival ulceration was associated with oral candidiasis, lower age and lack of AIDS diagnosis possibly due to a protective effect of co-trimoxazole medication. 5 patients with neutropenia had extensive ulceration without the microflora of ANUG. Histopathology, viral and bacterial culture revealed non-specific changes. The ulcers did not respond to the treatment regimen for ANUG but responded to treatment of their neutropenia. Gingival ulceration is not common in HIV infection. Most cases resemble severe ANUG. It is more frequent in younger people, those with oral candidiasis and without AIDS. Co-trimoxazole may be protective. A minority of cases with ulceration and associated neutropenia resembled the non-specific oral ulceration associated with HIV.