Correlation between oral lesions and opportunistic infections among human immunodeficiency virus — infected individuals in Indian population

Abstract

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is a major global health problem. Tuberculosis and cryptococcal meningitis are the leading cause of death among people living with HIV.

Aim: The purpose of this study was to determine whether any relationship exists between the occurrence of oral lesions and opportunistic infections among HIV-infected patients in Indian population.

Materials and methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was performed in 232 HIV-infected persons (148 males and 84 females, aged 20–60 years, mean 33.6 ± 2.3 years). c2 test and logistic regression were used for statistical analysis.

Results: Oral candidiasis was the most common oral lesion seen in 28.4% males and 22.6% females of HIV-infected persons, followed by hairy leukoplakia in 27% males and 20.2% females which was statistically significant. Tuberculosis (21.6%) followed by cryptococcosis (9.9%) and pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (4.7%) were the most commonly found opportunistic infections. Logistic regression analysis revealed a significant association, between the occurrence of tuberculosis and candidiasis (OR 2.3; 95% CI 1.4–2.9), cryptococcosis and candidiasis (OR 1.4; 95% CI 1.0–1.9), and pneumocystis carinii pneumonia with hairy leukoplakia (OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.0–2.9). Mean CD4 count was also less.

Conclusions: The results suggest a definite relationship in occurrence of oral lesions and opportunistic infections among HIV-infected patients.