Oral Manifestations of HIV

Oral manifestations of HIV disease are common and include oral lesions and novel presentations of previously known opportunistic diseases. Careful history taking and detailed examination of the patient's oral cavity are important parts of the physical examination and diagnosis requires appropriate investigative techniques. Early recognition, diagnosis, and treatment of HIV-associated oral lesions may reduce morbidity.The presence of these lesions may be an early diagnostic indicator of immunodeficiency and HIV infection, may change the classification of the stage of HIV infection, and is a predictor of the progression of HIV disease. Oral lesions have also been advocated and are used as entry criteria and endpoints for prophylaxis therapy and vaccine trails.