Epidemiological characteristics and HIV-related oral lesions observed in patients from a Southern Brazilian city

Authors

  • Maria Noel Petruzzi Catholic Pontifical University of Rio Grande do Sul
  • Fernanda Gonçalves Salum Catholic Pontifical University of Rio Grande do Sul
  • Karen Cherubini Catholic Pontifical University of Rio Grande do Sul
  • Maria Antonia Zancanaro de Figueiredo Catholic Pontifical University of Rio Grande do Sul

Keywords:

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections, Diagnosis, Oral, Epidemiology, Developing Countries

Abstract

Purpose: To assess the epidemiological characteristics and associated oral lesions of HIV adult carriers in a southern Brazilian city. Methods: A retrospective survey was conducted to review the medical records of 534 patients treated at 5 referral health centers. Results: Nearly 52% of the patient sample was male, 88.2% were older than 30 years of age, 58% had been diagnosed with an advanced stage of HIV disease and 78.1% presented rapid rates of HIV progression to AIDS. Harmful habits were common (31.9%), and 35% of the patients were unemployed. Approximately 60% of the subjects used highly active antiretroviral therapy. Tuberculosis was the most commonly observed systemic illness (18.5%), and oral candidiasis was the most prevalent lesion in the oral cavity (50%). A higher risk for tuberculosis onset was associated to illicit drugs use and oral candidiasis and hairy leukoplakia. Conclusion: The high prevalence of concurrent diseases and the rapid progression to AIDS highlight the need for early diagnosis and access to treatment. Professionals must be made aware about the onset of HIV-related oral lesions that would be helpful to diagnose HIV or serve as indicators of a worsening condition.

Author Biographies

Maria Noel Petruzzi, Catholic Pontifical University of Rio Grande do Sul

Posgraduate Program in Dentistry Oral Medicine Msc student

Fernanda Gonçalves Salum, Catholic Pontifical University of Rio Grande do Sul

Posgraduate Program in Dentistry Oral Medicine Unit at São Lucas Hospital Senior Lecturer

Karen Cherubini, Catholic Pontifical University of Rio Grande do Sul

Posgraduate Program in Dentistry Oral Medicine Unit at São Lucas Hospital Senior Lecturer

Maria Antonia Zancanaro de Figueiredo, Catholic Pontifical University of Rio Grande do Sul

Posgraduate Program in Dentistry Oral Medicine Unit at São Lucas Hospital Senior Lecturer

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Published

2012-01-25

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Original Article