Mucocutaneous manifestations in children with human immunodeficiency virus infection

Abstract

Skin is one of the most frequently involved organs in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, and mucocutaneous manifestations may be one of the earliest markers of AIDS. The prevalence of cutaneous abnormalities in HIV approaches nearly 90%. Mucocutaneous manifestations may also act as a prognostic marker of HIV infection. Children are increasingly being affected by HIV infection and it is important to realize the presence of the infection early in the disease process as their immune status is not mature enough to handle the stress of various infections. Skin manifestations can serve as early markers and prognostic indicators of HIV infection. This review highlights the epidemiology, transmission, pathogenesis, and the mucocutaneous manifestations of HIV infection in children.

A Clinical Observational Study of Orocutaneous Manifestations in People Living With Hiv/Aids

“…6 Bacillary angiomatosis caused by Bartonella henselae or Bartonella Quintana is one of the pathognomonic conditions of HIV. 1,2 Varicella occurring in HIV may be more severe and protracted and so is the case with herpes simplex (labialis/genitalis), herpes zoster, warts and molluscum contagiosum. Herpes zoster may be multidermatomal, disseminated or recurrent or may be associated with haemorrhagic lesions, severe postherpetic neuralgia or painless lesions.…”

“…Oral hairy leukoplakia caused by Epstein Barr virus is another pathognomonic condition seen in HIV/AIDS. 1,2 Scabies occurs more commonly and crusted or Norwegian scabies may be seen in patients with CD counts less than 150 cells/mm 3 . Pediculosis and Demodex folliculitis occur more frequently.…”

“…Some of these conditions may present with umbilicated papules resembling molluscum contagiosum. 2 Bacterial infections caused by virtually any bacteria is possible in HIV/AIDS. Folliculitis, furunculosis, impetigo, abscesses, cellulitis, erysipelas and various other morphologies can be seen.…”

“…Many of these conditions are pathognomonic of HIV/AIDS, thereby emphasising the importance of cutaneous manifestations. 2,3 Among fungal infections, oral candidiasis is one of the commonest associations of HIV/AIDS occurring in 20-72% of patients. Later oesophageal, tracheobronchial or genital candidiasis may set in.…”

“…Estimated prevalence of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA) in India was 2.31 million (1.8-2.9 million) in India in 2007. 2 The prevalence is declining in recent years, with an estimated prevalence of 2.1 million in 2013.…”