CD4 cell counts and oral manifestations in HIV infected and AIDS patients

Abstract

Context:Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is an acronym for AIDS caused by a retrovirus known as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) which breaks down the body's immune system leaving a patient vulnerable to a host of life-threatening opportunistic infections, neurological disorders or unusual malignancies. According to estimates by the World Health Organization and UNAIDS, 35 million people were living with HIV globally at the end of 2013. The first AIDS case in India was detected in 1986. Seldom studies have been conducted correlating these parameters with oral manifestations in the Indian population.Aim:The present study was carried out to evaluate the CD4 cell counts and oral manifestations in HIV-infected and AIDS patients and to correlate them with the seronegative controls.Methodology:This was a cross-sectional, hospital-based study on individuals who were divided into three groups, Group A consisting of 500 patients who were healthy controls without any systemic illness; Group B consisting of 500 patients who were diagnosed as HIV infected and Group C consisting of 500 patients diagnosed as AIDS patients depending on their CD4 cell counts. The permission from the Ethical Committee of the Institution as well as Superintendent of Government Hospital was obtained. Evaluation of CD4 cell counts in HIV-infected and AIDS patients was done using CyFlow Counter.Results:The results were found to be statistically significant with the P < 0.001 for the CD4 cell counts. Oral manifestations revealed varied results with different levels of significance.Conclusion:CD4 cell counts were significantly altered in HIV-infected and AIDS patients when compared with the controls while oral manifestations revealed varied results with different levels of significance.

<p>Biofilm-Producing<em> Candida</em> Species Causing Oropharyngeal Candidiasis in HIV Patients Attending Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Diseases Hospital in Kathmandu, Nepal</p>

“…16 Low CD4 count (<200) is a hallmark for the opportunistic infections in Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). 17 The lower the CD4 count, the higher is the risk of opportunistic fungal infections. A study from Kathmandu valley reported 50% of the patients with the fungal infections had a CD4 count below 200 cells/µL.…”

<p>Opportunistic Respiratory Infections in HIV Patients Attending Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Diseases Hospital in Kathmandu, Nepal</p>

“…12 CD4 count is a marker for the opportunistic infections in AIDS-related conditions. 13 The increase in opportunistic infections when the CD4+ T lymphocytes count falls below 500 cells/µL further leads to an increase in morbidity and mortality among HIV-positive individuals. 14 The lower the CD4 count, the higher the risk of opportunistic fungal infections.…”

Associated oral manifestations with HIV southeastern Brazilian patients on antiretroviral therapy

“…Oral lesions are one of the most important indicators of HIV infection 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 . The presence of oral lesions in HIV+ patients is correlated with high viral load and low CD4+ cell counts 8 , 9 .…”

“…The presence of oral lesions in HIV+ patients is correlated with high viral load and low CD4+ cell counts 8 , 9 . Some studies have reported differences in the prevalence of oral manifestations associated with HIV infection 5 , 7 , 10 , 11 . The prevalence of oral lesions could be influenced by the development of the country, demographic locality, healthcare system, medicine availability, HIV strains, stage of HIV, deleterious habits, and gender 3 , 12 , 13 .…”