TY - JOUR

T1 - Oral manifestations among people living with HIV/AIDS in Tanzania

AU - Fabian, F M

AU - Kahabuka, F K

AU - Petersen, P E

AU - Shubi, F M

AU - Jürgensen, N

N1 - Keywords: AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections; Adult; Candidiasis, Oral; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Mouth Diseases; Prevalence; Tanzania; Young Adult

PY - 2009

Y1 - 2009

N2 - BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of various oral and peri-oral manifestations in people living with HIV/AIDS in Tanzania. METHODS: A cross sectional study. A total of 187 persons with HIV infection were recruited from non-governmental organisations serving people living with HIV/AIDS, 16.6% were males and females 83.4%. Information on weight and height, as well as extra oral and intra oral examinations for different manifestations were gathered. Treatment and referral for special care were offered. RESULTS: At least one oral lesion was present in 45% of the participants. Candidiasis (28.9%) and non-tender lymphadenopathy (11.8%) were the most common lesions. Candidiasis occurred most frequently on lips/mucosa, and the tongue, and pseudomembranous candidiasis was the most frequent type. Candidiasis occurred with several other conditions and was statistically significantly associated with low body mass index (BMI). CONCLUSION: This community survey carried out in an African sub-Saharan country showed that oral lesions are frequent among people living with HIV/AIDS. As emphasised by the World Health Organization Global Oral Health Programme, national HIV/AIDS programmes should incorporate oral health components.

AB - BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of various oral and peri-oral manifestations in people living with HIV/AIDS in Tanzania. METHODS: A cross sectional study. A total of 187 persons with HIV infection were recruited from non-governmental organisations serving people living with HIV/AIDS, 16.6% were males and females 83.4%. Information on weight and height, as well as extra oral and intra oral examinations for different manifestations were gathered. Treatment and referral for special care were offered. RESULTS: At least one oral lesion was present in 45% of the participants. Candidiasis (28.9%) and non-tender lymphadenopathy (11.8%) were the most common lesions. Candidiasis occurred most frequently on lips/mucosa, and the tongue, and pseudomembranous candidiasis was the most frequent type. Candidiasis occurred with several other conditions and was statistically significantly associated with low body mass index (BMI). CONCLUSION: This community survey carried out in an African sub-Saharan country showed that oral lesions are frequent among people living with HIV/AIDS. As emphasised by the World Health Organization Global Oral Health Programme, national HIV/AIDS programmes should incorporate oral health components.

M3 - Journal article

C2 - 19774801

VL - 59

SP - 187

EP - 191

JO - International Dental Journal

JF - International Dental Journal

SN - 0020-6539

IS - 4

ER -