Dewi Priandini

Faculty of Dentistry, Trisakti University, Jakarta, Indonesia

Abstract

Introduction: Patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) present with oral manifestations such as oral candidiasis (erythematous and pseudomembranous), oral hairy leukoplakia (OHL). The presence of oral candidiasis and OHL within the oral cavity is not only indicative of HIV infection, but is possibly one of the first signs of the disease progressing to AIDS in an HIV-infected individual.

Case Presentation: A 26-year-old female reported to the Dental Hospital of Faculty Dentistry of Trisakti University complaining of a burning sensation, oral discomfort, and an altered sensation of taste that had troubled her for the past six months. Intraoral examination revealed a white lesion on the dorsum of the tongue and a red lesion at the middle of the tongue as well as a vertical white lesion that looked like a plaque on the ventral aspect of the tongue.

Conclusion: Oral candidiasis is one of the most common, treatable oral infections seen in people living with HIV or AIDS. The oral health status of an HIV-infected patient at presentation is an extremely guide to changes in disease progression. It is important to verify whether there is a relationship between the presence of OHL and the underlying systemic HIV disease in these patients.