Oral lesions in HIV/AIDS patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy

Background: Oral lesions have been reported to be the initial signs of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) infection. The main objective of the present study was to observe the prevalence of oral lesions among HIV/AIDS patients undergoing highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) attending the antiretroviral therapy (ART) center in Kasturba Medical College and Hospital, Mangalore, Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka, India. Materials and methods: One hundred and eight HIV/AIDS positive patients were evaluated by a single examiner. Patients’ oral cavity was examined and the various oral manifestations detected were recorded. Results: The most common extraoral manifestation was lipoatrophy, and intraorally, the most prevalent findings were intraoral pigmentation (42.6%) and candidiasis (27.8%). However, the prevalence of the most commonly associated lesions like Kaposi’s sarcoma (1.9%) and linear gingival erythema (2.7%) was less. Conclusion: Oral lesions are considered to be markers of progression of HIV into the final stage of AIDS. Advent of HAART has shown a significant reduction in the oral lesions and a better quality of life in patients with HIV.