A recent study that was conducted among 1200 HIV patient of whom 600 each belonged to with ART and without ART and the occurrence of oral candidiasis and oral hairy leukoplakia. This study shows that oral candidiasis and leukoplakia was less among patients on ART as well as a decrease in the number of opportunistic infections.[1] This is important as oral manifestations might serve as an important marker for monitoring restoration of immune function and ART failure. All healthcare workers should receive education and training on the importance or engaging all HIV patients in oral healthcare and the use of oral lesions as surrogate markers in HIV infection.
[1] Usha H, Naik BNR. Comparison of oral lesions in HIV patients with and without highly active antiretroviral therapy visiting government hospitals in Bengaluru city. J. Evid. Based Med. Healthc. 2017; 4(20), 1141-1147. DOI: 10.18410/jebmh/2017/224.
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About Mark S. Schweizer, DDS, MPH
Mark Schweizer, DDS, MPH, is an Assistant Professor and Director of Development and Special Projects, and Program Director for Ryan White HIV/AIDS Programs at Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine. Dr. Schweizer is also Dental Director for the Southeast AIDS Education and Training Center.