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.